Mickey Rourke Surrenders Shotgun Amid Fundraising Controversy

Mickey Rourke surrendered a shotgun to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department this week, following a series of events linked to a fundraising controversy. According to NBC4 Investigates, deputies responded to a call from a member of Rourke’s team on Wednesday, indicating the actor wished to turn in the firearm, which is legally registered to him. Rourke informed authorities that he would be leaving the area and no longer wanted the weapon, which will be held by law enforcement for safekeeping. If Rourke does not retrieve the firearm within one year, it will be destroyed.

This development comes as Rourke faces a significant financial dilemma. In December 2023, he was sued by his landlord for approximately $60,000 in unpaid rent on his bungalow located just south of West Hollywood. Following the eviction notice, Rourke’s long-time manager, Kimberly Hines, and her assistant initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the actor’s housing situation. The campaign successfully raised over $90,000, but Rourke publicly distanced himself from the fundraiser in an Instagram video on January 5, 2024.

In the video, Rourke stated, “If I needed money, I wouldn’t ask for no fucking charity,” expressing confusion about the fundraiser’s intent. He added, “I’d rather stick a gun up my ass and pull the trigger.” Hines later clarified to The Hollywood Reporter that the GoFundMe was not a “grift” and that Rourke was aware of the initiative, although she acknowledged that he may not have fully understood the concept of crowdfunding.

Hines provided context regarding Rourke’s housing issues, revealing that the property was purchased by Eric Goldie, who allegedly increased the rent from $5,200 to $7,000. Goldie subsequently sued Rourke for unpaid rent, but Hines claimed that the conditions of the residence were “uninhabitable,” citing issues like “black mold” and “no running water.”

Despite the campaign’s success, Rourke’s rejection of the funds prompted Hines to announce that donors would be reimbursed if the actor did not want the money. “He’s calling me for money. He’s calling friends for money,” she remarked, addressing the apparent contradiction between Rourke’s current financial needs and his dismissal of the fundraiser.

On January 9, 2024, Rourke and World Boxing News shared a joint Instagram post that referred to the situation as a “$96,000 Misunderstanding.” In his comment on the post, Rourke reiterated his stance, urging followers, “Don’t give any money; it’s all fake bullshit.”

As this situation continues to unfold, Rourke faces scrutiny over his financial decisions and the actions of those around him. The outcome of both the GoFundMe campaign and his ongoing housing dispute remains to be seen as the actor navigates this complex and public struggle.