Mickey Rourke Advises GoFundMe Donors to Request Refunds

Mickey Rourke has ignited controversy over a GoFundMe campaign started by his manager amid a challenging period for the actor. The fundraiser aimed to assist Rourke, who is reportedly dealing with potential eviction due to a lawsuit from his landlord. Rourke took to Instagram to express his anger, denouncing the campaign as a “vicious cruel goddamn lie” and stating that it was embarrassing to have his name used in such a manner.

Mickey Rourke’s Instagram Statements

On January 15, Rourke made his feelings clear in several posts. He claimed there would be “severe repercussions” for those involved in the fundraising effort. Alongside personal updates, he mentioned that over $100,000 had been collected from “concerned strangers.” However, he stressed that his attorney was working to refund the donations, particularly noting that an additional $90,000 remained to be reimbursed.

Call for Refunds

• Rourke encouraged donors to request refunds: “THE PERSON WHO PULLED THIS CRAP SHOULDNT GET ONE FUCEN DOLLAR.”
• His primary concern during this time is the health of his friend, actor Eric Dane, who disclosed his ALS diagnosis last year.

Manager’s Response

The GoFundMe was initiated by Kimberly Hines, Rourke’s manager for over ten years. Hines stated that the campaign was not intended as a “grift” and claimed Rourke knew about the fundraiser. However, she also noted that Rourke might not have fully understood the nature of crowdfunding when she proposed the idea.

Controversy Around the Fundraiser

• Hines stated, “He’s calling me for money. He’s calling friends for money,” implying that Rourke had already reached out for financial help.
• Despite understanding the criticism, Hines defended both her intentions and Rourke’s awareness of the GoFundMe.

As the situation evolves, Rourke remains adamant about distancing himself from the fundraising campaign, urging donors to reclaim their contributions. This incident highlights the complexities involved in celebrity fundraisers and the importance of transparent communication.