LOS ANGELES, January 5, 2026 – A fundraising campaign has been launched with the approval of actor Mickey Rourke to prevent his potential eviction from his los Angeles residence. The 72-year-old, known for his raw performances and turbulent personal life, is reportedly facing housing insecurity due to unpaid rent.
A Troubled Icon seeks Support
The campaign aims to cover immediate housing expenses and avert eviction for the Academy Award-nominated actor.
- Rourke owes around $60,000 (approximately $89,000) in back rent to his landlord.
- He was served a three-day eviction notice on December 18.
- A friend and member of his management team initiated the fundraiser with Rourke’s consent.
- the actor has faced recent public controversies, including allegations of inappropriate behavior.
According to reports, rourke owes approximately $60,000, equivalent to $89,000, in rent after being sued by his landlord. A three-day notice to pay or quit was served on December 18,according to reports. The fundraiser, organized by Liya-Joelle Jones, seeks to “help cover immediate housing-related expenses and prevent that [eviction] from happening.”
Jones described Rourke as “an icon – but his trajectory, as painful as it is, is also a deeply human one.” She continued, “It is indeed the story of someone who gave everything to his work, took real risks, and paid real costs. Fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability. What remains is a person who deserves dignity, housing, and the chance to regain his footing.”
Rourke rose to prominence with roles in films like The Wrestler (2008), earning an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of a washed-up professional wrestler, and also 9 weeks and Barfly. His career has been marked by both critical acclaim and periods of personal struggle.
Recent Controversies Cloud Rourke’s Image
The financial difficulties come amidst a string of recent public controversies for Rourke. Last year,he was removed from the UK reality show Celebrity Big Brother following accusations of making homophobic comments directed at fellow contestant Jojo Siwa,alongside allegations of “further inappropriate behaviour.”
During an exchange on the show, Rourke used a British slang term for cigarette, saying he needed “a fag,” before addressing Siwa directly and stating, “I’m not talking to you.” He also reportedly told her he would “make her straight.” Show officials warned him that his language was “offensive and unacceptable” and that further similar behavior coudl lead to his removal.
Rourke later issued an apology to Siwa, stating he did not “have dishonourable intentions,” but was subsequently removed from the program by ITV. Following his exit, reports indicated he planned to pursue legal action against the show over a pay dispute.
Adding to the scrutiny, actress Bella Thorne publicly accused Rourke of on-set misconduct in April of last year. Thorne shared her “all-time worst” experience working with Rourke on the 2020 horror film Girl,alleging he bruised her genitals with a metal grinder. Rourke denied the accusations.
As of today, the fundraiser has nearly reached its $100,000 goal. Organizers state, “All funds withdrawn from this campaign will be applied directly toward Mickey’s immediate needs and expenses, with full transparency and care, and strictly on his behalf.”
