Mickey Rourke has surrendered his legally registered shotgun to authorities, a move that underscores the ongoing turmoil in his personal life. This development comes amid a controversial GoFundMe campaign launched to prevent his eviction, which Rourke himself has denied knowledge of. Here’s what this means for the Hollywood legend.
Mickey Rourke, the Oscar-nominated actor known for his roles in The Wrestler and Sin City, has voluntarily surrendered his legally registered shotgun to authorities. This move comes amid a series of personal and financial struggles, including a controversial GoFundMe campaign launched to prevent his eviction from his Los Angeles home.
The Incident: Why Rourke Surrendered His Shotgun
According to NBC Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department responded to a call from one of Rourke’s team members on Wednesday, January 7. Deputies visited Rourke’s residence, spoke with him about the legally registered firearm, and took possession of it for safekeeping.
Rourke, whose real name is Philip Andre Rourke Jr., reportedly stated that he would soon be leaving the area and no longer wanted his firearm. If he does not retrieve the gun within a year, it will be destroyed, per NBC Los Angeles.
The GoFundMe Controversy
The surrender of Rourke’s shotgun comes amid a highly publicized GoFundMe campaign launched to prevent his eviction. Liya-Joelle Jones, an assistant to Rourke’s manager Kimberly Hines, initiated the campaign with a fundraising goal of $100,000. The campaign, titled “Help Mickey Rourke Stay in His Home,” claimed to have Rourke’s full permission.
However, Rourke himself has denied any knowledge of the campaign. In a video shared to his Instagram on Monday, January 5, Rourke called the campaign “humiliating” and stated, “If I needed money, I wouldn’t ask for no f—– charity.” He added that while he did borrow money from a friend after a financial setback, he would “never ask strangers or fans or anybody for a nickel. That’s not my style.”
Rourke’s Manager Responds
Kimberly Hines, Rourke’s manager, explained to The Hollywood Reporter that the fundraiser was created for the actor by his team and that they had informed Rourke of it. However, she acknowledged that he may not have fully understood the situation at the time. Hines also mentioned that Rourke’s team had moved him out of his house due to issues like black mold and lack of running water.
Rourke’s Recent Struggles
Rourke has faced a tumultuous year, marked by financial difficulties and legal disputes. He pursued legal action against Celebrity Big Brother UK over an alleged pay dispute following his controversial exit from the show in April 2025. Additionally, a complaint filed on December 29 claimed that Rourke owes his landlord nearly $60,000 in past-due rent on his Los Angeles home.
Upcoming Projects
Despite his personal struggles, Rourke continues to work on new projects. According to IMDb, he has upcoming roles in A Walking Miracle and 3 Days Rising. Additionally, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Rourke will appear in the upcoming spoof National Lampoon’s Hollywood Hustle.
Why This Matters
The surrender of Rourke’s shotgun is more than just a legal formality; it symbolizes the ongoing challenges the actor faces in his personal life. The GoFundMe controversy, combined with his financial struggles and legal disputes, paints a picture of a Hollywood legend navigating a difficult period. Rourke’s denial of the campaign and his insistence on not seeking charity highlight his pride and independence, traits that have defined his career and personal life.
For fans and industry observers, this incident raises questions about the support systems in place for aging actors and the ethical implications of crowdfunding campaigns launched on behalf of public figures without their explicit consent. It also underscores the importance of transparency and communication in managing the personal and financial affairs of celebrities.
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