Darlings, the plot thickens. Nick Reiner, accused of fatally stabbing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, has called in superstar criminal defense attorney Alan Jackson — but insiders tell me there’s a major twist.
“Nick has never earned a living in his life,” a source tells me. “He’s always lived off his parents. And now, even in death, it looks like he’s still relying on their money.”
The pricey seven-figure retainer for Jackson? Sources say it’s believed the Reiner family may be footing the bill. “He doesn’t have the funds from his own money,” another insider adds. “It’s tragic and bizarre — his whole life has been supported by his parents, and now their money is paying for his defense.”
Jackson, known for high-profile wins like Karen Read’s murder acquittal, was spotted visiting the Reiners’ Brentwood mansion Tuesday, file in hand, likely plotting strategy with his team. The optics, insiders say, are complicated: a man accused of killing his parents, defended with the very fortune they provided him.
Nick, 32, remains in custody without bail at Men’s Central Jail, reportedly on suicide watch. He was arrested Sunday after Romy Reiner discovered the bloody bodies in the family home, following a heated argument with his father at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party the night before.
“It’s a lot for Hollywood to digest,” a source adds. “He’s never been independent, and now even his legal fight is bankrolled by the people he allegedly killed. It’s shocking, morbid, and tragic all at once.”
Remember, darlings — if you’re going to be naughty, you’ve got to be nice.
Cheers,
ROB SHUTER
I’m not sure it’s legal for Nick to use his parents money for his defense. There are statutes against a defendant benefitting from the fruits of his crime. It’ll be interesting to see if the prosecutors challenge it.