Mickey Rourke rejects fundraising campaign to pay his rent: humiliating
In an incident that sparked widespread controversy in Hollywood, veteran American actor Mickey Rourke , 73, broke his silence to express his outrage at a recent online fundraising campaign aimed at saving him from eviction. On his official Instagram account, Rourke described the initiative as "humiliating," emphasizing his determination to maintain his dignity despite his current financial difficulties.
Details of the incident and the star's reaction
The star of "The Wrestler" appeared in a video on Tuesday, wearing a straw hat and a pink shirt, holding his dog in his lap, to deliver a sharp message to the campaign organizers. "If I needed money, I wouldn't ask for help," Rourke said firmly, adding in his written statement, "I'm not asking for a penny from strangers, fans, or anyone." This response comes after the campaign, launched by Lea Joel Jones on Sunday, successfully raised nearly $100,000 in just a few days, exceeding the amount needed to pay off his debts.
Background of the financial crisis
The crisis stems from press reports, most notably one published by the Los Angeles Times, which revealed that Rourke received an official notice on December 18th to vacate his home. The amount of unpaid rent is estimated at approximately $60,000. The campaign organizers attempted to justify their initiative in a description on the donation page, stating, "Fame doesn't protect against hardship, and talent doesn't guarantee stability," indicating that the goal was to provide the star with peace of mind so he could recover and remain in his home.
A journey full of ups and downs
To understand Mickey Rourke's sharp reaction, one must consider his long and complex history in the film industry. Rourke is one of the most prominent icons of the 1980s, having starred in classic films such as "9 1/2 Weeks" and "Angel Heart." However, his career has taken dramatic turns, including a period away from acting to return to professional boxing, which resulted in facial disfigurement and a decline in his career.
But Rourke made a powerful comeback in 2009 with "The Wrestler," for which he received an Academy Award nomination and won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. In the film, Rourke played a professional wrestler whose star has faded and who is struggling to survive, a role that critics considered a mirror image of Rourke's own life. This history of personal and professional struggle explains his extreme sensitivity to appearing "needy" or accepting public charity.
The reality of fake stardom
This incident sheds light on a darker side of Hollywood's celebrity life, where fame doesn't necessarily guarantee lasting financial security. Many veteran stars struggle with the vagaries of the entertainment industry and the lack of stable retirement plans, leaving them vulnerable to sudden crises. Despite the good intentions behind the fundraising campaign, Rourke's firm refusal reinforces his image as a "veteran" who prefers to face his fate alone rather than accept public pity, adding another chapter to his already dramatic life story.
