Accra: American director Carl Rinsch, known for the 2013 film ’47 Ronin,’ was sentenced to 30 months in prison for defrauding Netflix of millions of dollars, prosecutors in New York announced. Rinsch was convicted last year of misusing $11 million given to him by the streaming platform in 2020 to produce a science fiction series titled ‘White Horse.’
According to Ghana Web, instead of allocating the funds towards the production of the show, Rinsch invested in highly speculative stock options and cryptocurrency. Additionally, he spent millions on luxury items for personal use. Jay Clayton, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, stated that Rinsch’s purchases included luxury clothing, furniture, a red Ferrari, and five Rolls-Royces.
In addition to the prison term, the 48-year-old director was ordered to forfeit $11 million. His legal team requested leniency, citing the immense pressure of his career and a difficult divorce as factors contributing to the misappropriation of funds.
Although Netflix
was not explicitly named by prosecutors, reports indicate Rinsch was embroiled in a dispute with the company over the series initially named ‘White Horse,’ later renamed ‘Conquest.’ Court documents describe the show’s plot as centering on a scientist who creates powerful clones isolated in a Brazilian city, subsequently leading to conflicts with humans and among themselves.
Rinsch’s directorial debut was with the film ’47 Ronin,’ featuring Keanu Reeves. Prior to the sentencing, Reeves appealed to the judge, advocating for ‘leniency and mercy’ for Rinsch, whom he described as an ‘exceptional artist’ susceptible to ‘self-sabotage.’