Mickey Rourke’s manager is pushing back against claims that a GoFundMe campaign launched to help the actor amid an eviction dispute is improper, insisting the effort was created in good faith and solely to support him during a financial emergency. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, longtime manager Kimberly Hines defended the fundraiser after Rourke publicly disavowed it on Instagram. The campaign, which quickly raised more than $100,000, was launched over the weekend after Rourke faced eviction from a West Hollywood rental and a lawsuit alleging nearly $60,000 in unpaid rent.
Manager says effort was meant to help, not exploit
Hines said the GoFundMe was created with the intention of helping Rourke secure housing and stabilize his situation, not to exploit fans. “We’re all here to help Mickey and get him back on his feet,” she said, emphasizing her goal of supporting his return to work and creative projects.
She acknowledged that Rourke may not have fully understood what a GoFundMe entails when the idea was discussed. According to Hines, she told the actor that people wanted to help, and he initially responded positively. Once the fundraiser gained attention and media coverage, she said, Rourke became upset and publicly distanced himself from it. Despite his disavowal, Hines stressed that donors would be refunded if Rourke ultimately declined the assistance.
Rourke’s public denial fuels confusion
On Monday, January 5, Rourke posted a video on Instagram stating that he was not involved with the fundraiser and would never ask fans or strangers for money. The comments intensified scrutiny of the campaign and prompted questions about consent and transparency. Hines countered that there was “nothing shady” about the effort and said the main challenge now is logistical. She claimed Rourke currently does not have a bank account, complicating the transfer of funds even if he chooses to accept them.
Details emerge about housing dispute
Hines also shared details about Rourke’s housing situation, saying the actor had lived in the same house for years before it was sold to a new owner, Eric Goldie, who allegedly raised the monthly rent from $5,200 to $7,000. Goldie later sued Rourke for unpaid rent. According to Hines, the property had serious issues, including mold, water damage, and lack of running water—claims that have not been independently verified. A lawyer for the property owner did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Longstanding financial struggles
Hines said Rourke’s financial instability is not new, attributing it to poor money management and generosity toward others. She noted that the actor has often supported friends and former partners, sometimes at the expense of his own security. Currently, Rourke is staying at a hotel in West Hollywood and is expected to move to a more permanent apartment in Koreatown. Hines said she has been fronting money to help him through the crisis but can only do so for a limited time.
Potential turnaround on the horizon
Despite the controversy, Hines said the situation may be opening new doors. She claimed Rourke has received multiple movie offers in recent days, a promising sign for an actor who has struggled to find steady work. As the debate over the GoFundMe continues, Hines maintains that the intent was simple: to help Rourke through a difficult moment. Whether the actor ultimately accepts the funds—or opts to return them—remains unresolved.
