Keanu Reeves has requested a federal judge to show leniency towards filmmaker Carl Rinsch, who was convicted in a fraud case involving Netflix and the unfinished sci-fi series 'White Horse'. Rinsch, who directed Reeves in the 2013 film '47 Ronin', is awaiting sentencing after a Manhattan federal jury found him guilty of defrauding Netflix of USD 11 million. Reeves submitted a letter supporting Rinsch ahead of his June 29 sentencing hearing.
Keanu Reeves Seeks Leniency for Carl Rinsch
According to Deadline, Reeves urged the court to consider mercy while deciding Rinsch's sentence. Business Insider also reported that Reeves' letter was included in a Tuesday night sentencing submission filed for the director. In his letter to US District Judge Jed Rakoff, Reeves wrote, "I am, of course, not a therapist or psychologist. I write instead as an artistic peer of Carl's, and as a friend."
Reeves described Rinsch as an artist whose work left a strong impression on him. "In my opinion, Carl is an exceptional artist and 'White Horse,' in the form in which I saw it, was a superb and visionary work of art, although unfinished," he wrote. The actor also noted that Rinsch brought "creative inspiration" and "exceptional joy and warmth" to those around him.
Netflix Fraud Case and 'White Horse' Details
Rinsch was convicted after prosecutors alleged that he took money from Netflix to produce 'White Horse' but failed to complete the project. They claimed he used the funds for personal expenses, including food deliveries, luxury goods, and a handmade Swedish mattress. Rinsch denied any wrongdoing during the trial, testifying that Netflix abandoned the series due to rising production costs and issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also stated that much of the USD 11 million was meant to reimburse him for production costs.
His attorneys have requested the court to avoid a prison sentence. One of Rinsch's lawyers, Daniel McGuinness, told Business Insider, "Carl is deeply grateful to Mr. Reeves and to all the friends and family who stepped forward to paint a fuller picture of who he is beyond the facts of this case." McGuinness added that the letters describe Rinsch as "a remarkably talented man of strong character who confronted extraordinary challenges in the period leading up to these events."
Netflix has also asked for restitution and legal fees. Rinsch's sentencing is scheduled for June 29.
Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing as reported by a third-party source. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case is ongoing, and a final verdict has not been reached. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.
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