Actor Mickey Rourke denies being affiliated with GoFundMe set up to help him avoid eviction

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Mickey Rourke says he is not asking fans for financial help, even though a GoFundMe was set up to help support him.

The fundraiser states it was created with the actor’s permission so he can avoid eviction.

Despite what Rourke said in a recent social media video, his manager, Kimberly Hines, confirms the GoFundMe is 100% legitimate, telling The Hollywood Reporter she’s the one who set it up.

The Golden Globe-winning actor is alleging he knows nothing about it, saying he would never ask for money, and calls the whole thing embarrassing.

“Don’t give any money. And if you gave money, get it back,” Rourke said in a video shared to social media on Monday.

Rourke says he’s upset after the GoFundMe campaign, which was started on Sunday, quickly surpassed its initial goal of $100,000.

The donations to the campaign have since been paused.

In his video, Rourke admits he did recently borrow money from a friend, saying COVID and the writers strike “killed his money,” coupled with a housing dispute.

The actor, who’s been evicted according to his manager, admits that he stopped paying rent due to poor living conditions.

Reports indicate that last month he was served a notice to pay about $60,000 in back rent for his Los Angeles home. Despite that, the 73-year-old says he would never reach out to his fans.

“I’m very grateful for what I have. I’ve got a roof over my head. I’ve got food to eat, I’ve got bananas, everything’s OK. Get your money back, please. I don’t need anybody’s money. I wouldn’t do it this way. I’ve got too much pride. This ain’t my style,” Rourke said.

Rourke, who received an Oscar nomination for his role in 2008’s “The Wrestler,” claims he doesn’t know who started the GoFundMe.

His manager told The Hollywood Reporter Mickey agreed to receiving financial help, but maybe did not fully understand the implications.

She says it was all done with good intentions and good heart, and says if Rourke decides he doesn’t want the money, it will be returned.

In addition to the money, his manager says at least four movie roles have been offered to the actor since the GoFundMe was posted.