Keanu Reeves was seen warmly embracing a female friend in Berlin on Tuesday, just days after attending a controversial wrap party for his film The Matrix 4.
The cast of the upcoming sci-fi film reportedly flouted the German city’s party ban by staging a celebration scene for the upcoming movie, with officials in Potsdam confirming the gathering is under investigation for violating social distancing rules.
Brushing aside the drama, the actor, 56, appeared in great spirits as he hugged his pal before helping her take out her possessions from the back of her car.
Lovely to see you: Keanu Reeves was seen warmly embracing a female friend in Berlin on Tuesday, just days after attending a controversial wrap party for his film The Matrix 4
Putting on an animated display, the screen star reached his arms out wide to greet his companion.
The Beirut-born thespian cut a casual figure in a grey beanie, a black jacket and a shirt.
Maintaining his dressed down appearance, the Speed star rounded things off with indigo jeans and brown boots.
In Germany, the public are urged to reduce contact with others, and are only allowed to meet with members outside their household in public, for a maximum of ten people, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Greeting: Brushing aside the drama, the actor, 56, appeared in great spirits as he hugged his pal
Going against the rules: The cast of the upcoming sci-fi film reportedly flouted the German city’s party ban by staging a celebration scene for the upcoming movie
Out and about: Putting on an animated display, the screen star reached his arms out wide to greet his companion
What a gentleman: The My Own Private Idaho star helped her take out her possessions from the back of her car
In order to prevent an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases and to reduce the risk of infection, people must continue to keep a minimum distance of 1.5 metres between themselves and others.
MailOnline has contacted Keanu’s representatives for further comment.
According to The Independent, officials are currently looking into whether The Matrix’s bash at Studio Babelsberg breached the city’s regulations.
Dressed down: The Beirut-born thespian cut a casual figure in a grey beanie, a black jacket and a shirt
Low-key: Maintaining his dressed down appearance, the Speed actor rounded things off with indigo jeans and brown boots, before lugging a suitcase
Heading home? The media personality carried his possessions in two huge bags after spending months filming the sequel
Reports suggest up to 200 cast and crew took part in a wrap partyunder the code name ‘ice cream team event’.
In October, German Chancellor Angela Merkel asked Berlin residents to stop going to parties after a spike in coronavirus cases.
On Monday 2 November, the politician plunged Germany back into ‘lockdown lite’, ordering all bars and restaurants to close across the country. The Matrix 4 is said to have wrapped filming days later.
Taking things further: Officials in Potsdam confirming the gathering is under investigation for violating social distancing rules
Detailed: German newspaper, Bild, claimed that guests enjoyed DJ sessions, pyrotechnics, wine and sake bars, with food stalls offering sushi and desserts
A-list: Attendees at The Matrix 4 celebration reportedly included Keanu and his girlfriend Alexandra Grant pictured with Carrie-Anne Moss during filming)
Attendees at The Matrix 4 celebration reportedly included Keanu and his girlfriend Alexandra Grant as well as the film’s creators Lana and Lilly Wachowski.
German newspaper, Bild, claimed guests enjoyed DJ sessions, pyrotechnics, wine and sake bars, with food stalls offering sushi and desserts.
Other extreme details at the party allegedly included tattoo stations and Bedouin tents for the cast and crew.
A source told the publication that guests reportedly had a COVID-19 test in advance and had to attend the event with masks. They also claimed that there was no filming during the party.
They told the German newspaper: ‘The mood was exuberant. There was a rapid [COVID-19] test for everyone in advance. Everyone had to come with a mask, but many didn’t wear them later.’
Wow: Other extreme details at the party allegedly included tattoo stations and Bedouin tents for the cast and crew
Protocol: A source told Bild that guests reportedly had a COVID-19 test in advance and had to attend the event with masks
Restrictions: In October, German Chancellor Angela Merkel asked Berlin residents to stop going to parties after a spike in coronavirus cases
A spokesperson for Studio Babelsberg hit back at the reports and told Bild: ‘According to the production, it was the last day of shooting. It was a celebration scene … Hygiene requirements were adhered to.
‘The production deliberately put this shoot with many people involved at the end of the shoot.’
According to reports, indoor events can only take place with a registration with a maximum of 50 guests. Masks and social distancing must be adhered.
It is believed that private events and meetings in Berlin can only have a maximum of 10 people, it was previously 25. Groups of 50 are permitted to meet outdoors.
A Potsdam spokesperson has claimed that the event wasn’t registered and the health department is the ‘examining’ the party photos.
Merkel, who has also placed Germany on a four-week ‘lockdown lite’, said in October: ‘We must call especially on young people to do without a few parties now in order to have a good life tomorrow or the day after.’