Keanu Reeves is asking a judge to show mercy for filmmaker Carl Rinsch, who was convicted of stealing $11 million from Netflix. The actor submitted a personal letter ahead of Rinsch's sentencing, which is scheduled for June 29.

Reeves, 61, wrote to the court on May 1, saying he was not fully aware of all legal details but still wanted to speak up for someone he has known for years. In the letter, he asked for "leniency and mercy as well as justice" in the final sentence.

"I am writing in support of Carl Rinsch in connection with his upcoming sentencing. I do not know the details of this case," Reeves wrote, according to court documents, US Magazine reported. "But based upon what I do know about Carl, I did want to take the opportunity to write on his behalf."

Reeves worked with Rinsch on the 2013 film "47 Ronin," where Reeves played the lead role. He said their connection continued long after filming ended.

According to his letter, he attended Rinsch's wedding in Uruguay in 2014 and stayed in contact over the years, including visits at Rinsch's home in Los Angeles.

Keanu Reeves Defends '47 Ronin' Director

The actor also described seeing an unfinished version of Rinsch's sci-fi project "White Horse," which Netflix had funded. Reeves called it "a superb and visionary work of art, although unfinished."

In his letter, Reeves made clear he was not excusing wrongdoing. "I do not intend to share this as an excuse or diminishment of what he has been found to have done," he wrote. "But offer this solely as perhaps an insight into why."

Rinsch was convicted in December 2025 on charges of wire fraud and money laundering after prosecutors said he misused Netflix production funds. Authorities alleged the money was spent on luxury items, cars, antiques, and cryptocurrency instead of completing the series.

Netflix reportedly gave Rinsch around $44 million for the project "White Horse," plus an additional $11 million later. Prosecutors said much of the final funds were diverted to personal accounts and speculative investments.

According to People, Reeves ended his letter by asking the court to consider both punishment and compassion. "I hope you are able to find leniency for this man," he wrote.

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Keanu reeves, Netflix