Los Angeles, January 7, 2026 – Actor Mickey Rourke reportedly surrendered a legally registered shotgun to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department this week amid ongoing drama surrounding a GoFundMe campaign created to support him as he faces eviction from his Los Angeles home.

The Oscar-nominated actor, 73, whose real name is Philip Andre Rourke Jr., voluntarily handed over the firearm for safekeeping, according to NBC Los Angeles. Deputies were called by a member of Rourke’s team on Wednesday, January 7, and took possession of the shotgun after discussing his plans to leave the area.

If Rourke does not retrieve the firearm within a year, it will be destroyed in accordance with standard procedures, NBC Los Angeles reported.

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The GoFundMe Controversy

The surrender of the shotgun comes on the heels of a GoFundMe campaign launched by Liya-Joelle Jones, an assistant to Rourke’s manager Kimberly Hines, aimed at raising $100,000 to help the actor cover past-due rent and avoid eviction.

The fundraiser, titled “Help Mickey Rourke Stay in His Home,” claimed it had Rourke’s permission to cover housing-related expenses. However, Rourke publicly denied knowledge of the campaign in a video posted to Instagram on January 5:

“That’s not me, okay? If I needed money, I wouldn’t ask for no f—– charity.”

Rourke emphasized that while he had borrowed money from a friend due to financial setbacks, he would never ask strangers or fans for money, calling the campaign “humiliating.”

Hines later clarified to The Hollywood Reporter that the GoFundMe had been created by Rourke’s team and that he may not have fully understood the initiative at the time. She also said the actor had been moved out of his home, which reportedly had black mold and no running water.

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Rourke’s Recent Legal and Career Developments

Rourke has faced a tumultuous year, including legal action against Celebrity Big Brother UK over a pay dispute following his controversial exit from the show in April 2025.

Despite recent challenges, Rourke continues to pursue acting projects. His upcoming roles, according to IMDb, include:

• A Walking Miracle
• 3 Days Rising
• National Lampoon’s Hollywood Hustle (upcoming spoof)

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Background: Rourke’s Legal Firearm Surrender

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Rourke’s decision to hand over the shotgun was voluntary and done for safekeeping. This action comes as a precautionary measure given the recent media attention surrounding his personal and financial matters.

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Mickey Rourke’s Public Persona and Response

Rourke’s statement to Instagram highlights his long-standing independence and pride, insisting that he handles financial matters privately rather than seeking assistance from fans or public donations.

The incident adds to a year of public scrutiny and personal challenges, including eviction concerns, fundraising controversy, and legal disputes, illustrating the complex interplay between celebrity, media, and personal privacy.