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Anthropic's Mythos 5 AI Model Gets Green Light for US Institutions After Two-Week Standoff

The US government has lifted its block on Anthropic's powerful Claude Mythos 5 AI model, clearing the way for the company to grant access to more than 100 US organizations including major corporations and government agencies, according to reports from Semafor and Wired. The decision marks a de-escalation in tensions between the Trump Administration and Anthropic, following export controls imposed two weeks ago that shut down the model and its cousin Fable 5 after warnings from Amazon and other companies. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick informed Anthropic in a letter that the move was made because "appropriate safeguards are in place," as reported by Wired, which had access to the letter. The reversal followed weeks of discussions between the White House and the AI lab, with Axios noting that Lutnick acknowledged "significant progress" from the company's engagement with the government. The abrupt removal of the models on June 12 had created uncertainty in the industry and among allies whose cyber capabilities were impacted. "appropriate safeguards are in place." The Verge characterized the process as a rollercoaster negotiation, revealing that while Mythos 5 has been reinstated for select organizations, the public-facing version remains unavailable. "The public-facing version, Fable 5, remains in limbo with no clear timeline for rollout," The Verge reported, citing a letter from Commerce Secretary Lutnick to Anthropic co-founder Tom Brown. That means the partial resolution leaves a key product in an uncertain status, even as institutional users regain access. "The public-facing version, Fable 5, remains in limbo with no clear timeline for rollout." Axios reported that the Commerce Department approved a limited return of both Mythos and Fable after the company addressed risks, though The Verge's account suggests Fable's public release is still stalled. The distinction highlights the targeted nature of the easing: institutional access has been restored under conditions deemed acceptable, while broader consumer availability remains under review. The agreement signals that Anthropic has satisfied the government's immediate safety concerns, but full commercial deployment of its cutting-edge models is not yet a done deal.

7 sources · 1 Jul

Dish DBS Enters Prepackaged Chapter 11 Bankruptcy with Broad Noteholder Support

Dish DBS Corp., the satellite pay TV provider owned by EchoStar, has filed for prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a Houston court as part of a restructuring plan. The move aims to reduce debt and streamline operations while the company continues its winding down of wireless services. According to The Wrap, the plan has support from over 88% of Dish DBS' secured and unsecured noteholders and from holders of more than $8.8 billion in Dish Wireless debt. "Dish TV and Sling TV will continue operating normally during the process." The Verge reported that the bankruptcy filing does not include Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile, which are separate from the satellite TV operations. EchoStar, the parent company, will continue to manage the broader restructuring, which follows regulatory delays that blocked the planned sale of $23 billion in 5G spectrum to AT&T and SpaceX. "The filing seeks to implement a previously announced restructuring plan that would allow Dish to pay off debt early without penalty." The prepackaged nature of the filing means the restructuring terms were largely negotiated before entering court, which typically speeds the process. The Wrap noted that the plan's strong backing from creditors suggests a smoother path through bankruptcy than a contested filing. Dish expects to emerge from bankruptcy by the end of Q3 2026, according to The Verge. The satellite TV provider faces long-term challenges as cord-cutting accelerates, but the restructuring aims to give it a more sustainable financial footing while keeping its linear and streaming services available to customers.

2 sources · 1 Jul

Netflix's Wonka Reality Show to Debut Sept 23 with AI Recreation of Gene Wilder's Voice

Netflix is bringing Willy Wonka back to life through artificial intelligence. The streaming service announced "Wonka's The Golden Ticket," a reality competition series that will feature an AI-generated recreation of the late Gene Wilder's voice from the 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." TVLine reported the show's release date and confirmed the use of AI audio technology to recreate Wilder's iconic performance. The series, which coincides with the 55th anniversary of the film, transports 12 contestants and their partners into a full-scale recreation of Wonka's chocolate factory. Bleeding Cool described the show as a competition where entrants face challenges for a "life-changing prize." The A.V. Club characterized the format as a "high-stakes social experiment," taking a notably critical tone toward the decision to use AI for the voiceover. The voice recreation was handled by ElevenLabs, an AI audio company, and specifically approved by Wilder's family. The Verge reported that the filmmaker's estate and his wife gave consent for the use of his voice. Engadget also confirmed the involvement of ElevenLabs and the family's approval, noting that the AI voice cloning technology was employed for the unscripted series. The teaser trailer has already sparked discussion about the ethics of using artificial intelligence to replicate deceased performers. Bleeding Cool noted that the announcement "has drawn significant attention" precisely because of the AI-generated voice, fueling ongoing debates about digital resurrection in entertainment. The A.V. Club's reporting carried a sarcastic undertone toward the trend of using AI to simulate dead actors. "Wonka's The Golden Ticket" continues Netflix's pattern of turning fictional movie scenarios into reality show formats, following the success of "Squid Game: The Challenge." With the show's September 23 premiere date set, the blending of AI technology and nostalgia will test audience appetite for a Willy Wonka hosted by a voice from beyond the grave.

5 sources · 1 Jul

PlayStation discs to vanish by 2028 as Sony commits to all-digital future

Sony has confirmed it will stop producing physical game discs for all PlayStation titles, both first-party and third-party, starting in January 2028. The company is shifting entirely to digital distribution through the PlayStation Network and other digital retailers, according to Hacker News and gamesmarket.global. The move marks the end of an era for physical media on the PlayStation platform, which has long relied on discs as a primary sales channel. Gamesmarket.global reported that this transition effectively eliminates the second-hand game market for PlayStation titles, since digital purchases cannot be resold or traded like physical discs. "This move effectively eliminates the second-hand game market for PlayStation titles," the outlet noted. The shift follows a broader industry trend toward digital sales, with many consumers already opting for downloads over physical copies. Sidequesting.com raised concerns about the implications for future hardware, particularly backwards compatibility with the next-generation PlayStation console. "While this move follows industry trends toward digital sales and digital-only consoles, it raises concerns about backwards compatibility for future hardware like the PS6 and marks a significant shift away from physical media ownership," the outlet reported. Sony has not yet detailed how existing disc-based games will be handled on future systems. Hacker News cited Sony's reasoning as "changing consumer preferences" driving the decision to abandon discs. The company indicated that games will still be sold at retail, but without physical discs, meaning boxes may contain download codes or simply be display units. The deadline for disc production is set for January 2028, giving publishers and retailers just over three years to adapt to the all-digital model.

3 sources · 1 Jul

Bethesda Brings The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered to Switch 2 This August

Bethesda has announced that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered will launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11, bringing the classic RPG to the handheld hybrid nearly two decades after its original release. Gematsu reported that the physical edition, with the game on the card, is now available for pre-order at retailers like VGP. Both digital and physical versions will be available on launch day, according to Beth.games. Switch 2 owners can expect platform-specific enhancements. The Sixth Axis reported that the port is being handled by Virtuos, the same studio that developed the remaster for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. It will include motion controls, touch screen support, and mouse mode. Performance targets for the Switch 2 version have also been confirmed by Bethesda, though specific figures were not shared in the announcement. The remaster originally launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC on April 22, nearly 20 years after the original Oblivion helped define the RPG genre, as noted by Gematsu. Bethesda accompanied the Switch 2 reveal with a humorous trailer, Polygon reported, adding to the excitement for longtime fans eager to revisit Cyrodiil. "Explore Cyrodiil on the go when The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered launches digitally and physically on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11." The trailer and feature list suggest Bethesda is tailoring the experience for Nintendo's next-generation console, with pre-orders now live for both versions. The August release gives players a few months to prepare before heading back to the Shivering Isles on the go.

4 sources · 1 Jul

PlayStation Disc Era to End in 2028 as Sony Commits to All-Digital Future for New Titles

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced that it will cease production of physical game discs for all new PlayStation console titles starting January 2028, moving to an exclusively digital distribution model through the PlayStation Store and retailers. The decision marks the end of an era for the company that helped popularize disc-based gaming with its original PlayStation console in 1994, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Games released before the January 2028 cutoff will remain available on physical disc, and the change only applies to new titles going forward, Hacker News reported. The transition reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior toward digital downloads and subscription services, a trend that has accelerated in recent years across the entertainment industry. "This decision reflects shifting consumer habits toward digital purchases, though it marks a significant cultural shift for gaming enthusiasts who value physical media." TechCrunch noted that the move represents more than a logistical change, as physical discs have long been prized by collectors and retailers who rely on boxed copies for display and resale. The Hollywood Reporter added that the decline of physical media has been a gradual process, but this firm deadline signals Sony’s full commitment to a digital-only future for new releases. While the announcement does not affect the millions of existing game discs in circulation, it raises questions about game preservation and ownership in an all-digital marketplace. Sony has not indicated whether it will offer any physical collector’s editions after 2028, leaving enthusiasts to ponder what is lost when a game can no longer be held in hand.

3 sources · 1 Jul

Jury Holds Chris Brown and His Company Liable for $13 Million in Dog Mauling Case

A California jury has ordered singer Chris Brown and his company Black Pyramid LLC to pay nearly $13 million in damages to a housekeeper who was mauled by a large guard dog on his property in 2020. According to Billboard, the verdict, reached on June 30, 2025, found Brown liable for negligence in the attack on Maria Avila, who was working at Brown's Tarzana home when the incident occurred. Avila suffered devastating injuries from the attack. The Guardian reported that she sustained "serious injuries to her arm and face requiring dozens of sutures and skin grafts, as well as PTSD and nerve damage affecting her ability to work." The dog, a Caucasian shepherd named Hades, was described by Rolling Stone as a "security dog" weighing around 200 pounds, according to Billboard. The jury awarded $12.9 million to Maria Avila for negligence and an additional $885,000 to her sister Patricia Avila for emotional distress. Rolling Stone reported that "Patricia was working alongside Maria when the attack occurred." Maria Avila's husband also filed a loss of consortium claim related to her severe injuries, according to the same outlet. Brown was present at the home during the attack, as noted by The Guardian. The verdict holds both Brown personally and his company liable, reflecting the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the December 2020 incident.

3 sources · 1 Jul

Melissa Gilbert Says Parents of Child Actors Must Examine Their Own Motivations After Daveigh Chase's Death

Melissa Gilbert, best known for her role on "Little House on the Prairie," posted an emotional tribute to former child actress Daveigh Chase, who died at age 35 from AIDS with chronic polysubstance use as a contributing factor. In her message, Gilbert recalled working with Chase on a television pilot over 20 years ago and used the moment to warn parents about the dangers of pushing children into acting, drawing from her own experience as a child star. According to Variety, Gilbert observed a concerning dynamic with Chase's parents at the time, noting a "push or need to perform…for her parents." "push or need to perform…for her parents." The observation led Gilbert to reflect more broadly on the pressures young performers face from their families. She urged stage parents to carefully consider whether acting is truly what their children want, rather than projecting their own ambitions onto them. Rolling Stone reported that Gilbert, who became a household name as Laura Ingalls Wilder, drew on her own childhood in the industry to underscore the risks. "I know the immense pressure and the unique challenges of growing up in the spotlight," Gilbert wrote, according to Rolling Stone, as she implored parents to "make sure it's their dream and not yours." Vulture noted that Gilbert used the tribute to caution parents of child actors to learn from Chase's story in order to prevent similar tragedies. Chase, who voiced Lilo in "Lilo & Stitch" and starred in "The Ring," died at 35, with the Los Angeles County coroner citing AIDS and chronic polysubstance use. Gilbert's message serves as a stark reminder of the toll the entertainment industry can take on young performers, especially when parental pressures are involved.

3 sources · 1 Jul

Love Island UK Pulls Casa Amor Contestant After Stabbing Incident Ties Surface

Love Island UK producers have removed Casa Amor contestant Gabriel Garland from the villa after uncovering his connection to a 2019 stabbing incident. The decision came just before Garland was set to enter the main villa as a bombshell on the current season, according to multiple reports. Deadline reported that Garland was named in the conviction of Vitor Mazzer, who was found guilty of two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent related to the New Year's Eve stabbing. ITV confirmed Garland has left the villa and will not return. "Garland has left the villa and will not return." The network's swift action underscores the show's sensitivity to serious allegations, a recurring challenge for a series that has faced scrutiny over its vetting processes in the past. TMZ detailed that the show's production team made the decision to pull him from the villa before he could enter. "The seriousness of the allegations and the need to maintain the show's standards." This reasoning highlights the balancing act producers face between dramatic casting and accountability, especially when off-screen conduct comes to light. Vulture noted that Garland was present during the stabbing that left a man injured, but he was not charged in the case. The outlet added that his involvement came to light through court documents, prompting the removal. The incident adds another chapter to Love Island UK's history of contestant vetting controversies, as the show continues to navigate the fallout from past casting missteps. Through this incident, ITV has demonstrated a willingness to act quickly when new information emerges, even at the cost of a planned storyline twist. The remaining Casa Amor contestants will proceed without Garland, as the season moves forward.

3 sources · 1 Jul

Trump Mourns Village People's Victor Willis, Credits 'Y.M.C.A.' Rally Revival

Donald Trump paid tribute to Village People co-founder Victor Willis on Truth Social following Willis's death, praising him as a figure who embraced the song's unexpected second life at the former president's political rallies. Rolling Stone reported that Trump wrote that Willis was "a great and happy guy" who "loved that I used his song Y.M.C.A. at my Rallies." The brief post noted that the track became a hit again decades after its original release. "a great and happy guy" The tribute came amid renewed attention on the song, which saw a resurgence in popularity after being played at Trump's MAGA rallies. According to Deadline, the anthem's revival was tied directly to its use on the campaign trail, where it became a staple of the former president's events. Willis had initially objected to the campaign's use of the song, but the dispute was resolved through a licensing agreement. "Willis initially objected to the campaign's use of the song but ultimately did not withdraw permission after Trump's team obtained a political use license from BMI." Deadline noted that Willis's death prompted Trump to publicly acknowledge the frontman, whose group the Village People defined the disco era with hits like "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man." The song's rally usage had already sparked debate, but Trump's post framed it as a mutual appreciation between the performer and the politician. Rolling Stone pointed out that the short message did not elaborate on their relationship beyond the performance context. Coverage from both outlets highlighted the unusual intersection of pop culture and politics, with a decades-old dance track becoming a symbol of Trump's base. The tribute itself, posted on his social media platform, reflected how Willis and his music remained embedded in the political landscape long after the original disco era faded.

2 sources · 1 Jul

Supreme Court Rejects Birthright Citizenship Challenge, Cementing 14th Amendment Protections

The Supreme Court has ruled that birthright citizenship is constitutional under the 14th Amendment, rejecting former President Donald Trump's executive order that sought to deny automatic citizenship to children born to undocumented immigrants and temporary residents. According to Rolling Stone, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, dealing a significant legal blow to Trump's anti-immigration policies. The decision affirms that anyone born on U.S. soil is a citizen at birth regardless of their parents' immigration status. The Guardian reported that the ruling struck down Trump's executive order and upheld the 14th Amendment guarantee. Deadline quoted Roberts writing that citizenship is "the right to have rights," and that the Framers extended that promise to every free-born person in the land. Hacker News noted that the ruling was described as a narrow decision, and that the Justice Department has simultaneously cracked down on so-called "birth tourism" schemes. The article also highlighted reactions from affected individuals, including a Venezuelan woman involved in a related lawsuit. Meanwhile, Rolling Stone reported that the ruling sparked outrage among Trump administration officials, Republican lawmakers, and right-wing commentators who continue to oppose birthright citizenship. The constitutional principle, established after the Civil War, has been settled law for over 150 years, according to Rolling Stone. Despite the legal defeat, the issue remains a flashpoint in the broader debate over immigration policy and national identity in the United States.

5 sources · 1 Jul

High court splits on executive power: expands presidential control over agencies while shielding Federal Reserve independence

The Supreme Court issued twin rulings on the same day that simultaneously widen and constrain the president's authority over independent federal agencies, according to NBC News. Chief Justice John Roberts authored both decisions, which together create a nuanced picture of the conservative-majority court's approach to executive power. In the first ruling, the Court expanded President Trump's power to fire the leaders of most independent regulatory agencies for any reason, NBC News reported. The decision allowed the removal of Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, a Democrat who had been targeted by the administration. The New York Times noted that the ruling significantly extends executive authority over more than two dozen agencies that had traditionally been insulated from direct presidential control. "The ruling has significant implications for the balance of power between the executive branch and independent federal agencies." Yet in a second, simultaneous ruling, the Court blocked Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook, NBC News reported. The New York Times described this as the Court affirming the Federal Reserve's independence and protecting its leaders from being fired at will, which partially reins in the expanded authority granted in the companion case. "The decisions illustrate the conservative-majority court's mixed approach to executive power, pushing back on Trump's firing of Cook while expanding his control over agencies like the FTC." Separately, CNN reported that the justices also upheld state laws that count mail ballots arriving after Election Day, a ruling it described as an unexpected rebuff of Trump's longstanding attacks on mail-in voting. That decision, combined with the Fed ruling, shows the Court occasionally pushing back on the president even as it expands his authority in other areas. The twin rulings leave the Trump administration with vastly greater control over independent agencies such as the FTC, while preserving the Federal Reserve's position as an outlier immune from at-will presidential firing. Legal analysts expect the decisions to spur battles over the scope of executive power across dozens of federal entities.

3 sources · 1 Jul

Trump's 2025 financial disclosure: $1.4 billion haul driven by crypto and meme coin royalties

President Donald Trump's 2025 mandatory financial disclosure reveals he earned at least $1.4 billion, with cryptocurrency and memecoin businesses representing his largest income source. The Japan Times reported that World Liberty Financial, a crypto firm co-founded by Trump, his sons, and diplomat Steven Witkoff, generated over $588 million in sales. Trump's memecoin business, CIC Digital, contributed $636 million in income, primarily from royalties. "The 927-page report shows $635 million in royalties from a Trump-branded meme coin (which has since plunged in value)" The BBC noted that the crypto haul outpaces Trump's other business ventures, including real estate and merchandise. Substack reported that the 2025 earnings mark the most profitable year of Trump's life, when combining crypto with stock trading and partnerships. "Fox News host Dana Perino expressed shock after President Donald Trump's 927-page financial disclosure revealed nearly $1.4 billion in cryptocurrency earnings" Raw Story added that reporters grilled Trump about the filing during a press gaggle outside Air Force One. The White House denied that Trump was profiting from the presidency, according to the BBC, though the disclosure shows the crypto income far exceeding his other ventures. The document, released by the Office of Government Ethics, spans 927 pages and underscores the financial scale of Trump's digital asset enterprises during his second year back in office.

4 sources · 1 Jul

Trump's Financial Disclosures Reveal He Made Billions From Crypto Despite Past Criticism

President Donald Trump's latest financial disclosures show that cryptocurrency has become his dominant income source, with earnings ranging from over $1 billion to $1.4 billion depending on the filing period, according to reports from Forbes, HuffPost, and USA Today. The 927-page report filed with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics provides the most detailed look yet at Trump's finances during his first year back in the White House, USA Today reported. The crypto income dwarfs his traditional business earnings from real estate and licensing deals. HuffPost noted that the figures mark a dramatic reversal from Trump's previous stance, when he called cryptocurrency a "scam." The shift occurred after the industry backed his 2024 presidential campaign. "The shift occurred after the industry backed his 2024 presidential campaign." Forbes reported that the disclosure shows approximately $515 million from World Liberty Financial token sales, a crypto venture co-owned by his family and Steve Witkoff, and $636 million from CIC Digital, a holding company. HuffPost's breakdown put the World Liberty Financial earnings at $594 million and CIC Digital at $635 million, totaling $1.2 billion for 2024. USA Today's coverage of the 2025 disclosure pegged total crypto venture income at over $1.4 billion, citing the U.S. Office of Government Ethics report. The variation in figures reflects different filing years: Forbes and USA Today covered the 2025 report, while HuffPost analyzed the 2024 filing. "The disclosure highlights the president's sprawling investments and significant cryptocurrency assets," Forbes reported, underscoring how digital assets have transformed Trump's financial profile from that of a real estate mogul to a crypto-based billionaire.

3 sources · 1 Jul

President Trump’s 927-page ethics filing highlights $635 million from meme coin licensing, over $1 billion in crypto assets

President Donald Trump’s 2025 annual financial disclosure, released by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, reveals he earned over $635 million from a licensing agreement with a cryptocurrency group behind “meme” coins bearing his name. The 927-page filing, reported by freeaitoolsayoob.com and yellow.com, covers the first year of his second term and folds in income from hotels, golf resorts, and digital-asset ventures. "starkly contrasting with the much shorter final disclosure forms of former Presidents Obama (8 pages) and Biden (11 pages)." The sheer heft of the document underscores how deeply crypto revenue has become embedded in Trump’s post-presidential business portfolio. According to freeaitoolsayoob.com, total crypto holdings from the TRUMP meme coin and other digital assets now exceed $1 billion. Yellow.com added further detail, reporting that Trump’s crypto-related income surpassed $1.2 billion overall, including over $50 million in Bitcoin holdings. The outlet noted that the filing covers “income from hotels, golf resorts, and digital-asset ventures during the first year of his second term.” "over $1.2 billion from crypto ventures" As the disclosure lands during Trump’s second term, ethics watchdogs are likely to scrutinize the overlap between his personal meme-coin earnings and his administration’s policies on digital assets. The contrast with the sparse filings of his predecessors highlights the unprecedented nature of a sitting president holding a nine-figure cryptocurrency stake.

2 sources · 1 Jul

EU Set to Greenlight Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger With Conditions; UK Still Uncertain

European Union regulators are expected to approve Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal valued at roughly $111 billion, according to multiple reports. The European Commission, the EU's antitrust enforcer, is finalizing approval details and is not expected to open a deeper investigation, with a final decision due by July 7. The U.S. Justice Department has already cleared the transaction. The approval is reportedly contingent on Paramount exiting its joint venture with Universal Pictures to address competition concerns in international film distribution, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Regulators in more than a dozen countries have already signed off on the deal, pushing the merger closer to completion after months of scrutiny. "The UK is unlikely to block the deal outright, but it may impose additional conditions or hurdles beyond what the EU requires," Max von Thun of the Open Markets Institute told Variety. That comment underscores that the key remaining question is whether the UK's Competition and Markets Authority will follow the EU's lead or impose its own additional requirements. Representatives from both companies have met with EU officials, and Paramount CEO David Ellison is expected to accept certain remedies to address competition concerns, according to the Financial Times as cited by both Variety and Deadline. With EU clearance on the horizon and the U.S. approval already in hand, the transaction now faces its final major regulatory test across the Atlantic.

4 sources · 1 Jul

Peacock deepens bundling strategy with Starz add-on at $11.99 per month

Peacock is adding Starz as a premium add-on subscription available directly within its app, a move that brings the two entertainment-focused streaming services together under a single billing arrangement. The new option, priced at $11.99 per month, is open to Peacock users on select, premium, and premium plus tiers, and grants access to Starz's library of original series and films. "a deal between two pure entertainment companies, a less common configuration in a streaming sector dominated by tech-giant bundles." The partnership stands out, as Deadline noted, because it is a bundling deal between two traditional media companies rather than a package orchestrated by a large technology platform. Peacock already had a similar add-on arrangement with Hallmark, though that deal expired in 2025, and it also maintains a bundling partnership with Apple. "continuing the trend of bundling among streaming platforms." The Hollywood Reporter highlighted that the move continues the wider industry push toward bundling, as streaming services look to reduce churn and increase customer value. For Peacock subscribers, the add-on brings popular Starz franchises including Outlander and Power, giving them access to a deeper catalog without leaving the Peacock interface. The deal reflects a broader shift in the streaming landscape as companies seek to offer more flexible, a la carte options alongside traditional all-in-one subscriptions. By integrating Starz, Peacock adds a premium channel that has long been a staple of cable packages, now available as a direct add-on within the app.

2 sources · 1 Jul

Netflix Fraud Director Gets 30 Months as Judge Cites 'Money Laundering and Lies'

Carl Rinsch, the director of the Keanu Reeves film 47 Ronin, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for defrauding Netflix of $11 million. The sentencing took place in New York federal court nearly seven months after Rinsch was convicted on wire fraud and money laundering charges, according to Deadline. Judge Jed Rakoff condemned what he called Rinsch's "money laundering and lies" during the proceeding, as reported by Deadline. "I made a mistake." Rinsch acknowledged his wrongdoing in court, but the sentence fell on the lower end of federal guidelines. The Hollywood Reporter noted that the reduction was due to evidence of untreated mental health issues, a factor supported by character witnesses including Keanu Reeves, who submitted a letter asking for leniency. The Independent also reported on Reeves' letter, which failed to sway the judge. The fraud originated in 2018 when Netflix hired Rinsch to create a sci-fi series initially titled White Horse, later renamed Conquest. Rolling Stone reported that Netflix invested a total of $55 million into the project, which never produced a single episode. Rinsch then requested an additional $11 million to complete the series, but instead of delivering episodes, he allegedly spent the money on risky securities trades, cryptocurrency, luxury cars, furniture, and even legal fees to sue Netflix for more money. The A.V. Club confirmed that Rinsch was ordered to repay the full $11 million in restitution. According to Vulture, Rinsch spent the additional $11 million within two months on cryptocurrency, luxury goods, and items like mattresses. The never-finished show became one of the streaming giant's most notable fraud cases, as the Independent noted. The sentence ensures that Rinsch will serve time for a scheme that involved spending Netflix's money on personal expenses while delivering no content. "[Rinsch] used the Netflix funds for risky securities trades, luxury goods, and legal fees to sue Netflix for more money." The case highlights the risks streaming platforms take when funding ambitious projects without stringent oversight. While Rinsch's mental health struggles contributed to a lighter sentence, his actions cost Netflix millions and left the White Horse series permanently unfinished.

7 sources · 1 Jul