ICYMI: Hollywood director arrested for swindling Netflix for $17 million, Jason Isaacs retracts White Lotus penis comments

This week brings you the "ICYMI" column, recapping the popular culture and entertainment news you may have missed over the past week. It's a great way to catch up on the trending topics.

Director accused of misusing Netflix funds to buy luxury cars. Carl Erik Rinsch, known for directing the 2013 action film "47 Ronin," was arrested and charged this week with alleged wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors will allege that Rinsch executed a scheme to defraud Netflix after the streaming giant paid millions of dollars to produce a series that was never completed. The details of the case are quite intriguing.

Netflix paid Rinsch $44 million (approximately AU$69 million) for an unfinished series called "White Horses," and later paid an additional $11 million (approximately AU$17 million) to complete production. However, prosecutors claim that Rinsch did not use the money for production, but instead transferred $11 million to a personal account and quickly lost about half of it in bad investments within two months. This misuse of funds is a serious breach of trust.

The filmmaker recouped some of the losses by investing the remaining funds in the cryptocurrency market, and then embarked on a spending spree. Prosecutors claim that Rinsch used approximately $10 million for personal expenses and luxury items, including credit card bills, legal fees for suing Netflix for more money, furniture and antiques, five Rolls Royces and a Ferrari, as well as watches and clothing. Rinsch had a preliminary hearing in a Los Angeles court earlier this week, where he pleaded not guilty and agreed to pay $100,000 (approximately AU$150,000) bail. He will face charges in a New York court at a later, unspecified date. The legal proceedings are expected to be lengthy.

"The White Lotus" star retracts comments about prosthetic penises. Jason Isaacs, widely known for playing Lucius Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" series, has gained new fame for his role as a misbehaving Southern businessman in the latest season of "The White Lotus." The hit HBO series has been known for its comedic depictions of male nudity; from the anal sex scene in the first season to Theo James' "nine-inch flash" in the second season. The show continues to push boundaries.

As Isaacs' character, Timothy Ratliff, falls apart, his hotel-provided bathrobe slips open, exposing his genitals in the fourth episode of this season, horrifying his children. But when asked if he used a prosthetic penis, Isaacs complained about the "double standard" for male actors, pointing to Margaret Qualley's nude scenes in "The Substance" and Mikey Madison's portrayal of a sex worker in "Anora." His initial comments sparked controversy.

"I didn't see anyone discussing her vulva, which was all over (the screen)," he told CBS Mornings. After facing backlash online, Isaacs later retracted his comments, telling Variety that he "said the wrong things in the wrong way." Isaacs explained, "I was tired – I'd done too many interviews." "There is (a different) double standard – women are hugely exploited, and men aren't." The 61-year-old actor admitted that he "absolutely shouldn't" have specifically mentioned the two Oscar-nominated actresses, saying he is "a huge fan" and has "enormous respect" for them. "My point was not that men have it harder than women – that would be absurd." He clarified his stance after the initial misstep.

Australian "Bad Guys" author signs eight-figure book deal. Aaron Blabey, the Australian author and illustrator of "The Bad Guys" series, which was adapted into a 2022 animated heist film starring Sam Rockwell and comedian Marc Maron, has signed an eight-figure book deal this week. The bestselling children's author will create seven new books for young adults for Macmillan Publishers, to be released in the UK, US, and Australia. This marks a significant milestone in his career.

"In June 2023, I finished the last 'Bad Guys' book – my 40th book in 10 years – and really thought it might be time to retire. I mean, that's a lot of books!" Blabey said. "However, the enthusiasm of everyone at Macmillan for a couple of new ideas (that I'd been quietly hoarding) infected me, and made me feel like maybe all I needed was a holiday and a new shot of positive energy. I'm so excited to get back to work." He is clearly passionate about his craft.

Blabey's books have sold approximately 55 million copies, and the author initially gained a following with his picture book series about a grumpy dog, "Pig the Pug"; he then created "Thelma the Unicorn," about a slightly delusional pony, which was adapted into a Netflix film last year (starring Brittany Howard of the blues-rock band Alabama Shakes). Blabey explained to ABC Arts in 2022 that he believes "The Bad Guys" – which tells the story of a group of anthropomorphic criminal animals – resonates with children because it looks like a book they might not be allowed to read. "Four guys on the cover in black suits, very 'Reservoir Dogs'-esque, looks like something (a kid's) older brother might watch, not them," he said. "They suddenly realize it's not just for them, it's directly at them." A second "Bad Guys" film is slated for release later this year. The 20th – and final – book in the series was released in 2024. The franchise has been incredibly successful.

Pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protesters clash at Gal Gadot's Walk of Fame event. A ceremony honoring Israeli actress Gal Gadot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this week was disrupted by protesters from both sides of the Israeli-Gaza conflict. Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen in the new "Snow White" remake, served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and publicly expressed her support for Israel after the events of October 7, 2023. The event became a focal point for political tensions.

According to Variety, police were called to the scene after a pro-Palestine protester stole an Israeli flag, and the event was delayed by approximately 15 minutes. Reportedly, around two dozen demonstrators gathered, and a video shared on X (Twitter) by Variety reporter Katcy Stephan showed pro-Palestine protesters chanting "Gal Gadot is a disgrace." Another video from Stephan showed a pro-Israel protester declaring that Gadot was "being persecuted because she's (Jewish), and we're not going to tolerate anti-Semitism." The situation was highly charged.

Ahead of receiving her Hollywood honor on Tuesday, Gadot gave an interview to Variety, stating that she had no regrets about speaking out after October 7, 2023. "I was shocked by the amount of hate, by the way that people feel like they know so much when they actually know nothing, and by the unfairness of the media so many times. So I had to speak up." "When your compass is clear, your conscience is clear. I know what I'm advocating for, and I know what I wish the world to be." She stands firmly by her beliefs.

Trailer of the Week: "Happy Gilmore 2". Between 1995 and 2005, Hollywood wouldn't stop making sequels to every beloved movie. This week, Adam Sandler returns to his breakout role as golf-loving Happy Gilmore. "Happy Gilmore 2" | Official Trailer | Netflix. Fans are eagerly anticipating this sequel.