Nick Reiner’s Family Reportedly ‘Feels Betrayed’ by His Ex-Lawyer Claiming ‘Something Happened’ to Cause Him to Quit
StyleCaster Editors
The murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, shocked Hollywood. And the interest has not waned as their son Nick, who has been charged with the murders, faces legal consequences. That interest extends to what his siblings are saying and even who his legal representation is.
Now, a week after celebrity attorney Alan Jackson informed the judge that he had “no choice but to withdraw and ask to be relieved” of his duties representing Nick Reiner, Reiner’s siblings are reportedly reacting to not just that, but comments Jackson made on Billy Bush’s Hot Mic podcast.
Related: Who are Rob Reiner’s kids?
“The whole thing feels like a showpony move,” a source close to the family told Rob Shuter. “Why is he giving details to Billy Bush of all people? The family feels betrayed.”
During the podcast, Jackson said, “Once I’m done, I’m done. I’ve withdrawn,” adding, “Something happened with my ability, and my team’s ability, to continue the representation, but I don’t want anyone to speculate as to what that might be. I have not said a word about it.”
He also said that, at the time he took the case, he “dropped everything” to focus on it. “I have to show fealty and loyalty to the confidentiality that attends that kind of phone call … immediately thereafter, I dropped everything,” he explained.
Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murders, and a special allegation for the use of a dangerous weapon, a knife. Jackson has previously represented Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Karen Read.
According to Shuter, the family doesn’t want this to divert attention from the trial. “They just want the legal process to take its course without distractions,” a source added.
Jackson quickly moved on to other high-profile cases, including defending the “rich kid” Malibu driver who has been charged with murder for killing four Pepperdine sorority sisters with his car, 25-year-old Fraser Bohm. The attorney had previously said that Reiner was “not guilty of murder.” It is unclear why exactly he stepped away from the case, and whether it has something to do with money.
Rob Shuter’s ShuterScoop had previously revealed that Nick Reiner’s legal fees would be paid by his late parents. “Nick has never earned a living in his life,” an insider said. “He’s always lived off his parents. And now, even in death, it looks like he’s still relying on their money.”
“He doesn’t have the funds from his own money,” another insider added. “It’s tragic and bizarre — his whole life has been supported by his parents, and now their money is paying for his defense.”
But Nick Reiner cannot inherit any part of his parents’ fortune, at least not if he’s found guilty. California’s Slayer Statute prevents anyone who intentionally kills another person from inheriting the victim’s estate, essentially treating the killer as if they predeceased the victim when it comes to all property, wills, trusts, insurance, and beneficiary designations.
