Nicole Kidman has reportedly found a new partner in Michael Reinstein, a businessman whose career has been marked by several controversies. Reinstein, an 8-figure entrepreneur, has been connected to a variety of scandals, including a telemarketing operation fined millions and accusations of workplace manipulation.
Reinstein was seen with Kidman in Los Angeles and later in Portofino, Italy, with her daughters. He lives in a large home in Beverly Hills and has connections in the entertainment industry, including events for George Clooney's tequila brand, Casamigos.
Business Dealings and Legal Troubles
Reinstein's business ventures have frequently drawn scrutiny. His former telemarketing company, Promenade, was issued a $2.4 million fine by the Federal Trade Commission in 2004. The FTC concluded that customers were misled into believing they were signing up for free trial memberships with discounts, without full disclosure of subsequent fees. A spokesperson for Reinstein stated that he founded the company, sold it, and later reacquired it when it was in financial distress, adding that there was no admission of liability and he was not a defendant in the case.
In the fashion industry, Reinstein is known for acquiring struggling brands. His private equity firm, Regent, has been criticized for delayed payments to vendors, with unpaid models at a Bally fashion show being a notable instance. A spokesperson for Reinstein countered that his role is to buy distressed companies and restore them to profitability, saving jobs and businesses, comparing it to an ER doctor improving a patient's health.
Workplace Allegations
Reinstein has also faced allegations regarding his workplace conduct. A former employee filed a lawsuit in 2022, accusing Reinstein of having a "penchant for punishment and manipulation, often untethered to any legitimate business objective and more closely aligned with [his] glee at others’ suffering." The employee also alleged that Reinstein referred to himself as "the Joker" and "the Emperor" from Star Wars, relishing in his control over others.
Another lawsuit from a former employee at Reinstein's home shopping network, USN, alleged racial discrimination. The employee, who is African-American, claimed that only Caucasians were given on-camera hosting jobs, while she was not. This lawsuit was later dismissed, and a spokesperson stated that the allegations were unproven and denied any racial criteria for talent.
In a separate legal dispute, Reinstein's company Regent sued a former employee, David Steinhafel, for fraud and embezzlement. Steinhafel countersued, alleging that Reinstein failed to pay his wages and had a "hostility towards women," citing instances where Reinstein allegedly expressed a preference for not hiring women due to potential maternity leave. The Steinhafel lawsuit was dismissed in December 2022. A spokesperson for Reinstein stated the allegations were false and filed as leverage, adding that the Steinhafels paid $250,000 and agreed to a dismissal with prejudice.
Reinstein's father, Fred Reinstein, was also known as an entrepreneur, described in a 1985 LA Times interview as an "all-American hustler."