Keanu Reeves was spotted warmly embracing a female friend in Berlin on Tuesday, shortly after attending a controversial gathering following the completion of filming for his movie, The Matrix 4.
The cast of the upcoming sci-fi film allegedly disregarded Berlin’s ban on parties by staging what officials in Potsdam are investigating for violating social distancing regulations. Reports suggest the event involved up to 200 cast and crew members under the guise of a “ice cream team event.”
Despite the controversy, the 56-year-old actor appeared in high spirits as he embraced his friend and assisted her with unloading belongings from her car. Displaying animated gestures, Reeves greeted his companion with open arms.
The Beirut-born actor opted for a casual look, sporting a grey beanie, black jacket, and shirt, paired with indigo jeans and brown boots.
In Germany, strict guidelines urge the public to minimize social contact, limiting gatherings outside one’s household to a maximum of ten people in public spaces amid the ongoing CоVID-19 pаndemic. The mandatory minimum distance of 1.5 meters between individuals remаins crucial to prevent the spread of the virᴜs.
MailOnline has reached out to Keanu’s representatives for further comment on the matter.
According to The Independent, officials are investigating whether the gathering at Studio Babelsberg breached local regulations. Initially reported as a celebration marking the end of filming, the production company has clarified it was a scene for the movie.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel previously urged residents to refrain from attending parties following a surge in cоrоnavirᴜs cases, subsequently enforcing a “lockdown lite” that mandated the closure of bars and restaurants nationwide from November 2nd. The Matrix 4 wrapped filming shortly thereafter.
Attendees reportedly included Keanu, his girlfriend Alexandra Grant, and the film’s creators Lana and Lilly Wachowski. German newspaper Bild detailed the event, which allegedly featured DJ sessions, pyrotechnics, and various culinary offerings.
Sources claimed guests underwent CоVID-19 testing beforehand and were required to wear masks, although adherence reportedly varied during the festivities. Studio Babelsberg defended the event, stating hygiene protocols were observed and attributing the large gathering to the production’s deliberate scheduling at the end of filming.
Reports indicate indoor events in Berlin require registration with a maximum of 50 guests, with strict mask and distancing measures. The unregistered nature of the gathering has prompted scrutiny from local health authorities in Potsdam.
Chancellor Merkel emphasized the importance of curbing social activities during the pаndemic, urging young people in particular to sacrifice immediate social gatherings for the sake of future well-being.