Mickey Rourke Facing Eviction: A Deep Dive into the Actor’s Struggles
Veteran actor Mickey Rourke is currently embroiled in a legal battle with his landlord, facing eviction after defaulting on his California rental agreement. The dispute, involving nearly US$60,000 in unpaid rent, has brought to light concerns about the living conditions of the property and a subsequent, controversial GoFundMe campaign.
The Eviction Ruling
On Monday, a judge issued a default eviction ruling in favour of Rourke’s landlord, Eric Goldie, granting possession of the home and terminating the rental agreement. According to documents obtained by the Los Angeles Times, People, and NBC, Rourke failed to respond to the eviction complaint within the legally mandated timeframe. Los Angeles Times provides further details on the court proceedings.
Rourke’s Claims of Unacceptable Living Conditions
Rourke, known for his roles in films like The Wrestler and Sin City, released a statement to E! News explaining his decision to withhold rent. He alleges that the property suffered from persistent and unresolved issues, rendering the living conditions “unacceptable.”
“For months there were serious problems that repeatedly went unaddressed despite my efforts to have them fixed,” Rourke stated. He specifically cited “ongoing rodent issues” and problems with the bathroom and plumbing. He claims repeated requests for repairs were ignored, and basic maintenance was neglected.
The GoFundMe Controversy
Shortly after the eviction notice was served on December 18, 2025, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by Liya-Joelle Jones, an assistant to Rourke’s manager, Kimberly Hines, with the aim of raising funds to help the actor remain in his home. The campaign quickly surpassed its $100,000 goal, but was subsequently paused after Rourke publicly disavowed any involvement.
In a video posted to Instagram, Rourke vehemently denied authorizing the fundraiser, stating, “If I needed money, I wouldn’t ask for no f—ing charity. I’d rather stick a gun up my a– and pull the trigger.” He expressed embarrassment and confusion over the campaign, questioning its origins and purpose. You can find more on this here at Deadline.
Conflicting Accounts and Desperate Measures
The GoFundMe description portrayed Rourke as a struggling artist who had “given everything to his work” and faced significant personal costs. However, Rourke alleges that the house was purchased by “two scumbags from New York” who refused to address the maintenance issues. He insists he would never ask fans for financial assistance, deeming it “humiliating.”
Rourke’s manager, Kimberly Hines, later admitted that the GoFundMe was created “in an act of desperation” to help the actor avoid eviction, emphasizing that it was intended as a “nice gesture” and not motivated by malicious intent.
Financial Details of the Lease
Court documents reveal that Rourke signed a lease for the three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house in April of last year, initially paying $5,200 per month. The rent was subsequently increased to $7,000 per month. By the time the eviction notice was served, Rourke owed $59,100 in unpaid rent.
This situation highlights the complex interplay of legal, financial, and personal challenges facing the acclaimed actor, Mickey Rourke.
