Keanu Reeves He asked a federal judge to show the filmmaker some leniency Carl RinschWho was convicted in a Netflix fraud case related to the sci-fi series ‘White Horse’. Rinsch, who directed Reeves in the 2013 film ’47 Ronin’, faces sentencing after a federal jury in Manhattan found him guilty of defrauding Netflix of US$11 million. Reeves submitted a letter of support to Rinsch ahead of the June 29 trial hearing.
Keanu Reeves seeks solace for Carl Rinsch
Deadline reported that Reeves asked the judge to consider mercy while deciding Rinsch’s sentence. Business Insider also reported that Reeves’ letter was included in a Tuesday night sentencing submission to the director.“Of course, I am not a therapist or a psychologist,” Reeves wrote in the letter to U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff. “Then I write as Carl’s artistic partner, and as a friend.”Reeves described Rinsch as an artist whose work left an impression. “I think Carl is an extraordinary artist and ‘White Horse’, as I saw it, was a magnificent and impressive work of art, even though it was unfinished,” he wrote.The actor said Rinsch brought “creative inspiration” and “extraordinary warmth and joy” to the people around him.
Netflix fraud case and ‘White Horse’ details
Prosecutors accused Rinsch of taking money from Netflix to make “White Horse” but not finishing the project. He allegedly used the funds for personal expenses, including grocery deliveries, luxury goods and a handmade Swedish mattress. Rinsch denied wrongdoing during the trial. Netflix declared that the series had been canceled after increasing production costs and problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also said he intended to recoup much of the $11 million in production costs.His lawyers asked the judge to avoid a prison sentence. One of Rinsch’s attorneys, Daniel McGuinness, told Business Insider, “Carl is very grateful to Mr. Reeves and all of his friends and family who painted a full picture of who he is beyond the facts of this case.”McGuinness said the letters described Rinsch as “a very talented man of strong character who faced extraordinary challenges in the period leading up to these events”.Netflix has also demanded a refund and legal fees. Rinsch’s sentencing is scheduled for June 29.Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing reported by a third party source. The details given are allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case continues, and a final verdict has not been reached. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.
