Keanu Reeves has asked for “leniency” in the sentencing of his friend, director Carl Rinsch, who was found guilty of scamming Netflix out of $11m (£8.2m). The actor wrote to the judge saying that while he “did not know the details” of the case, he hoped that Rinsch’s sentence “might be tempered with measures of leniency and mercy as well as justice”.
The Fraud Case
Rinsch received the funds from Netflix to produce White Horse, a 12-episode series, but allegedly transferred the money to personal accounts. He reportedly lost “most of the money through speculation on the stock market” and later spent profits from cryptocurrency investments on luxury items, according to court documents.
Conviction and Sentencing
Rinsch was found guilty of wire fraud and money laundering in December 2025. The sentencing hearing is expected to take place in the coming months, with prosecutors seeking a significant prison term.
Reeves’ letter, submitted to the court, emphasised Rinsch’s talents as a filmmaker and expressed hope that the judge would consider a sentence that balances justice with mercy. The actor’s intervention has drawn attention to the case, highlighting the personal connections that can influence high-profile legal proceedings.
