Ryan Kavanaugh#Films produced

Kavanaugh was born into a Jewish family{{cite web|url=http://www.jewishjournal.com/hollywoodjew/item/a_fundraising_feast_for_relativitys_ryan_kavanaugh_at_adls_annual_entertain|title=A fundraising feast for Relativity's Ryan Kavanaugh at ADL's annual entertainment dinner|last=Berrin|first=Danielle|date=October 12, 2011|website=Jewish Journal|access-date=March 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801122306/http://jewishjournal.com/newspulse/97046/|archive-date=August 1, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2011/film/news/jewish-is-the-new-red-1118044473|title=Jewish is the new red|date=October 15, 2011|website=Variety|access-date=March 18, 2014|quote=I always get the question — Ryan Kavanaugh, red hair — but I'm here once again to assure you I'm Jewish on both sides ... until my mom admits she had an affair with the milkman or the mailman I will stay Jewish on both sides.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121094427/https://variety.com/2011/film/news/jewish-is-the-new-red-1118044473/|archive-date=November 21, 2018|url-status=live}} in Los Angeles, California, and raised in the Brentwood neighborhood,{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/hollywood-big-shot-fleeing-la-ryan-kavanaugh/|title=Crime, Homelessness, High Taxes: Why Hollywood Big Shots Like Ryan Kavanaugh Are Fleeing L.A.|date=January 26, 2022|last=Haithman|first=Diane|work=TheWrap|access-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131215543/https://www.thewrap.com/hollywood-big-shot-fleeing-la-ryan-kavanaugh/|archive-date=January 31, 2022|url-status=live}} where he attended Brentwood High School.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-30/coronavirus-private-schools-ppp-loans|title=Elite private schools are receiving federal loans — including one attended by Secretary Mnuchin's children|date=April 30, 2020|last1=Miller|first1=Daniel|last2=Blume|first2=Howard|last3=Esquivel|first3=Paloma|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110030711/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-30/coronavirus-private-schools-ppp-loans|archive-date=January 10, 2022|url-status=live}} His mother is a real estate broker, and his father, a dentist turned businessman, was born in Germany. His father changed his surname to Kavanaugh before his son's birth.{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/9c2a33a8-b34a-11e0-9af2-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2wLe6neHP|title=Ryan Kavanaugh, would-be king of tinseltown|date=July 22, 2011|last=Garrahan|first=Matthew|website=Financial Times|access-date=March 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828085825/https://www.ft.com/content/9c2a33a8-b34a-11e0-9af2-00144feabdc0|archive-date=August 28, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/features/2010/03/kavanaugh-201003|title=The Theory of Relativity|date=February 9, 2010|last=Digiacomo|first=Frank|website=Vanity Fair|access-date=March 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117164745/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2010/03/kavanaugh-201003|archive-date=January 17, 2021|url-status=live}} Kavanaugh began purchasing stocks at the age of six.{{cite news|last1=Faughnder|first1=Ryan|last2=Fleming|first2=Charles|title=The mini-mogul behind Relativity Media said he'd change Hollywood, now studio files bankruptcy|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-relativity-media-bankrtupcy-20150730-story.html|access-date=December 31, 2021|work=Los Angeles Times|date=July 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223210040/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-relativity-media-bankrtupcy-20150730-story.html|archive-date=December 23, 2021|url-status=live}}

Kavanaugh attended UC Santa Barbara and UCLA but dropped out in 1996.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/10/08/cashier-du-cinema|title=Cashier Du Cinema|date=October 1, 2012|last=Bruck|first=Connie|author-link=Connie Bruck|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=January 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205020023/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/10/08/cashier-du-cinema|archive-date=December 5, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2009-05-11/movie-moguls-rogue-brand-hard-rock-hotel-team-up|title=Movie Mogul's Rogue Brand, Hard Rock Hotel Team Up|date=May 11, 2009|last=Grover|first=Ronald|website=Bloomberg News|quote=Kavanaugh, who dropped out of UCLA in 1996 to start a dot-com-era venture capital firm [...].|access-date=January 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107174748/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2009-05-11/movie-moguls-rogue-brand-hard-rock-hotel-team-up|archive-date=January 7, 2022|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} In 2012, Kavanaugh threatened The New Yorker with legal action for its reporting on him, including its report that he dropped out of university. Kavanaugh said he was "an official graduate of UCLA and currently enrolled in a PhD program at USC". The New Yorker stood by its reporting.{{cite news|last=Block|first=Alex Ben|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Lawyer Threatens New Yorker Over 'Egregious' Ron Burkle Profile (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ryan-kavanaugh-relativity-lawsuit-ron-burkle-new-yorker-375528/|access-date=January 11, 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=October 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205020015/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ryan-kavanaugh-relativity-lawsuit-ron-burkle-new-yorker-375528/|archive-date=December 5, 2021|url-status=live}} While subsequent sources reported that Kavanaugh finished a degree in 2012,{{cite news|last1=Faughnder|first1=Ryan|last2=Fleming|first2=Charles|title=The mini-mogul behind Relativity Media said he'd change Hollywood, now studio files bankruptcy|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-relativity-media-bankrtupcy-20150730-story.html|access-date=December 31, 2021|work=Los Angeles Times|date=July 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223210040/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-relativity-media-bankrtupcy-20150730-story.html|archive-date=December 23, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/01/relativity-media-ryan-kavanaugh-c-v-r.html|title=The Epic Fail of Hollywood's Hottest Algorithm|date=January 24, 2016|author=Benjamin Wallace|website=Vulture|access-date=November 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203114304/https://www.vulture.com/2016/01/relativity-media-ryan-kavanaugh-c-v-r.html|archive-date=December 3, 2021|url-status=live}} The Wall Street Journal reported that there was no record of him taking classes at USC.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/movie-finance-whiz-fights-to-keep-his-role-1441913284|title=Movie Finance Whiz Fights to Keep His Role|date=September 10, 2015|last1=Fritz|first1=Ben|last2=Schwartzel|first2=Erich|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=January 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126024553/https://www.wsj.com/articles/movie-finance-whiz-fights-to-keep-his-role-1441913284|archive-date=November 26, 2020|url-status=live|url-access=limited}}

After leaving UCLA in the late 1990s, Kavanaugh started a short-lived venture capital firm. Kavanaugh's uncle connected the family with producer Jon Peters. Kavanaugh and his father leveraged Peters's Hollywood connections to raise an estimated US$175 million in investment funds for the younger Kavanaugh's company.

Several investors, including Peters, sued Kavanaugh, alleging fraud, and the suits were settled out of court. Michael Sitrick, an executive{{cite news|last=Hiltzik|first=Michael|title=PR guru fails in effort to collect $7.7 million|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-feb-23-fi-sitrick23-story.html|url-access=limited|access-date=December 31, 2021|work=Los Angeles Times|date=February 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231124031/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-feb-23-fi-sitrick23-story.html|archive-date=December 31, 2021|url-status=live}} and Kavanaugh family friend,{{cite news|title=Flack Attack|url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2004/1227/051a.html?sh=28eb19a2e40d|date=December 27, 2004|work=Forbes|access-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220602065759/https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2004/1227/051a.html?sh=7cf50f11e40d|archive-date=June 2, 2022|url-status=live}} also sued, alleging that Kavanaugh violated terms of their agreement and placed most of Sitrick's $6 million investment into a type of Ponzi scheme at a company where Kavanaugh was a board member. An arbitrator found that Kavanaugh was "clearly negligent", and Sitrick won a $7.7 million arbitration judgment against Kavanaugh. He never received payment because Kavanaugh successfully argued that he was virtually penniless and his business on the verge of bankruptcy at the time of the judgment.{{cite news|last=Lang|first=Brent|title=Sitrick Cannot Collect $7.7M From Kavanaugh, Court Rules (Updated)|url=https://www.thewrap.com/court-rules-sitrick-cannot-collect-7m-kavanaugh-19301/|access-date=December 31, 2021|work=TheWrap|date=July 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231124031/https://www.thewrap.com/court-rules-sitrick-cannot-collect-7m-kavanaugh-19301/|archive-date=December 31, 2021|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Relativity Media}}

Kavanaugh co-founded Relativity Media in 2003 or 2004{{cite news|last=Faughnder|first=Ryan|title=Relativity Media struggles to come back from bankruptcy|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-relativity-bankruptcy-20161102-story.html|url-access=limited|access-date=December 31, 2021|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214201859/https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-relativity-bankruptcy-20161102-story.html|archive-date=December 14, 2021|url-status=live}} with entertainment executive Lynwood Spinks,{{cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2016/03/15/relativity-kevin-spacey/|url-access=limited|title=Kevin Spacey Pulls Out of Becoming the Boss of This Studio|date=March 15, 2016|last=Chew|first=Jonathan|website=Fortune|access-date=April 4, 2022|quote=Founded in 2004 by Ryan Kavanaugh and Lynwood Spinks, [...].|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813063542/https://fortune.com/2016/03/15/relativity-kevin-spacey/|archive-date=August 13, 2020|url-status=live}} whose relationship with Warner Bros. gave Kavanaugh the opportunity to broker a deal between a hedge fund and Warner Bros.' film studio. In the early 2000s, Wall Street investors were awash in cash and looking for investments outside of the stock market. Relativity Media brokered "film slate" deals between these investors and studios including Universal Pictures, Marvel Entertainment, and Sony Pictures, earning fees of $500,000 to $1 million per film.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/relativity-financial-troubles-ryan-kavanaugh-1201549697/|title=Relativity in Ruins: Is it Too Late for Ryan Kavanaugh to Save His Studio?|date=July 18, 2015|last1=Rainey|first1=James|first2=Brent|last2=Lang|work=Variety|access-date=January 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109224301/https://variety.com/2015/film/news/relativity-financial-troubles-ryan-kavanaugh-1201549697/|archive-date=January 9, 2022|url-status=live}} In addition to fees, Kavanaugh also insisted on being credited as an executive producer in each film. This gave Relativity Media the aura of a film production company and Kavanaugh a reputation as a producer—without having creative involvement—in nearly 100 movies.{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/1579785/why-hollywood-makes-so-many-bad-movies/|title=Why bad data make bad movies|date=April 8, 2019|last=Schrager|first=Allison|work=Quartz|access-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211115041/https://qz.com/1579785/why-hollywood-makes-so-many-bad-movies/|archive-date=February 11, 2022|url-status=live|url-access=limited}}

File:Art of Elysium Heaven & Hell Gala 2009 - Ryan Kavanaugh, Amy Smart (3187617832).jpg at an event in 2009]]

At Relativity Media, Kavanaugh created a Monte Carlo-based model that predicted the probability of a given film's commercial success.{{cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a6641/ryan-kavanaugh-1209/|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Uses Math to Make Movies|date=November 19, 2009|last=Jones|first=Chris|work=Esquire|access-date=January 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212144635/https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a6641/ryan-kavanaugh-1209/|archive-date=December 12, 2021|url-status=live}} Kavanaugh held Albert Einstein as his hero and would write long equations on whiteboards at investor meetings. Although Kavanaugh frequently cited the model's accuracy rate to be 85%, a source close to Elliott Associates, one of the company's principal (and earliest) lenders, estimated it to be much lower.{{cite news|last=Rainey|first=James|title=Major Relativity Lender Faces Struggle to Collect $137 Million Loan|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/relativity-media-lender-elliott-due-137-million-1201555820/|access-date=December 31, 2021|work=Variety|date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231131210/https://variety.com/2015/film/news/relativity-media-lender-elliott-due-137-million-1201555820/|archive-date=December 31, 2021|url-status=live}} Some investment banks and industry executives also cast doubt on the model's efficacy.

Kavanaugh advertised heavily in trade press, where he was praised for Relativity Media's high-value deals.{{cite web|url=https://fortune.com/longform/donald-trump-mnuchin-masterminds-galifianakis/|url-access=subscription|title=How Donald Trump's Finance Chief Got Messed Up With 'Masterminds'|date=September 30, 2016|last=Primack|first=Dan|work=Fortune|access-date=January 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111131304/https://fortune.com/longform/donald-trump-mnuchin-masterminds-galifianakis/|archive-date=November 11, 2021|url-status=live}} He garnered a reputation for successfully bridging Wall Street with the risk-prone film production industry. By 2009, three quarters of films produced by Sony and Universal Pictures had used Kavanaugh's financing. In 2010, Kavanaugh raised investor funds for Relativity Media to launch its own studio, producing movies vetted by Kavanaugh's algorithm. Although Relativity Media executives privately disagreed with Kavanaugh's estimations, he publicized increasingly grandiose claims about Relativity Media's valuation, combining third-party investment deals and optimistic projections into reported revenue. By the early 2010s, the algorithm ultimately proved unprofitable, with box-office bombs outnumbering commercial successes.{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/1579785/why-hollywood-makes-so-many-bad-movies/|title=Why bad data make bad movies|date=April 8, 2019|last=Schrager|first=Allison|work=Quartz|access-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211115041/https://qz.com/1579785/why-hollywood-makes-so-many-bad-movies/|archive-date=February 11, 2022|url-status=live|url-access=limited}}

Kavanaugh was named by Variety as 2011's "Showman of the Year" and placed 22nd on the Fortune 40 Under 40 list in 2011.{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/news/companies/1110/gallery.40_under_40.fortune/22.html|title=40 Under 40|work=CNN Money|date=October 25, 2011|access-date=July 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328020519/https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/news/companies/1110/gallery.40_under_40.fortune/22.html|archive-date=March 28, 2019|url-status=live}}

In May 2011, Elliott Associates attempted to rein in Kavanaugh's management.{{cite news|last=Finke|first=Nikki|title=Elliott Finally Reins In Ryan Kavanaugh: Moves Relativity Prez Michael Joe In-House|url=https://deadline.com/2011/05/elliott-finally-reins-in-ryan-kavanaugh-investor-moves-relativity-president-michael-joe-in-house-insists-more-senior-execs-upped-or-hired-131117/|access-date=January 19, 2022|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=May 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021163621/https://deadline.com/2011/05/elliott-finally-reins-in-ryan-kavanaugh-investor-moves-relativity-president-michael-joe-in-house-insists-more-senior-execs-upped-or-hired-131117/|archive-date=October 21, 2020|url-status=live}} Kavanaugh publicly claimed that he would buy out the hedge fund's stake to re-take charge of his company,{{cite news|last=Finke|first=Nikki|title=Ryan Goes off the Rails! Kavanaugh Trying To Sell Elliott's Stake In Relativity When Investment Group Isn't Selling|url=https://deadline.com/2011/05/ryan-goes-off-the-rails-kavanaugh-trying-to-sell-elliotts-stake-in-relativity-when-investment-group-isnt-selling-136416/|access-date=January 19, 2022|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=May 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022013924/https://deadline.com/2011/05/ryan-goes-off-the-rails-kavanaugh-trying-to-sell-elliotts-stake-in-relativity-when-investment-group-isnt-selling-136416/|archive-date=October 22, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Masters|first=Kim|title=Will Ryan Kavanaugh's Relativity Media Split from Financial Backers?|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/will-ryan-kavanaughs-relativity-media-193544/|access-date=January 19, 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120121932/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/will-ryan-kavanaughs-relativity-media-193544/|archive-date=January 20, 2022|url-status=live}} but Elliott Associates denied that they would sell to him. Their primary investment in Relativity Media funded a Universal Pictures deal, but Kavanaugh's studio chose to date several of its own films in competition with Universal's. Elliott Associates moved to take direct control of their film deal, eliminating Kavanaugh's executive producer fees, and significantly dropping their stake in Relativity Media.{{cite news|last=Finke|first=Nikki|title=UPDATE: Elliott Claims Only "Single Digit" Investment Left In Relativity After Takes Back Kavanaugh's Film Fund With Universal|url=https://deadline.com/2011/06/universal-refuses-to-do-business-directly-with-relativity-anymore-forces-elliott-to-erect-chinese-wall-136767/|access-date=January 19, 2022|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224210918/https://deadline.com/2011/06/universal-refuses-to-do-business-directly-with-relativity-anymore-forces-elliott-to-erect-chinese-wall-136767/|archive-date=February 24, 2021|url-status=live}}

In November 2011, when Relativity Media was short on funds, investor Ron Burkle arranged a series of loans to Kavanaugh's company in exchange for interest.{{cite news|last=Waxman|first=Sharon|title=Ryan Kavanaugh's 9 Lives: $200M Loan From Ron Burkle Saves 'Immortals' (Exclusive)|url=https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaughs-9-lives-200-m-loan-ron-burkle-saves-immortals-exclusive-33097/|access-date=January 19, 2022|work=TheWrap|date=November 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120042350/https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaughs-9-lives-200-m-loan-ron-burkle-saves-immortals-exclusive-33097/|archive-date=January 20, 2022|url-status=live}} Industry speculation surfaced that Burkle would oust Kavanaugh from Relativity Media in favor of his friend Harvey Weinstein, but Burkle and Weinstein both disclaimed the scenario. Relativity Media executives became increasingly doubtful as the company's financial health declined yet Kavanaugh's valuations kept increasing. Kavanaugh presented implausible valuations and "adjusted" EBITDA numbers to investors, which included projections based on films the company had already relinquished to Elliott Management. In June 2015, lenders began requiring Kavanaugh to receive approval before making any transactions.{{cite news|last1=Busch|first1=Anita|title=Relativity Gets 10-Day Extension As Lenders Take More Control|url=https://deadline.com/2015/06/relativity-extension-financial-mess-ryan-kavanaugh-1201456037/|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 25, 2015|access-date=April 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205233443/https://deadline.com/2015/06/relativity-extension-financial-mess-ryan-kavanaugh-1201456037/|archive-date=December 5, 2021|url-status=live}} In July, Relativity Media filed for bankruptcy.{{cite web|last1=Patten|first1=Dominic|last2=Fleming|first2=Mike Jr.|title=Ryan Kavanaugh's Relativity Media Finally Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy|url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/relativity-bankruptcy-ryan-kavanaugh-chapter-11-filing-1201485656/|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 30, 2015|access-date=August 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019200303/https://deadline.com/2015/07/relativity-bankruptcy-ryan-kavanaugh-chapter-11-filing-1201485656/|archive-date=October 19, 2021|url-status=live}} As a result, Netflix sought to end a distribution deal with Relativity Media, and Kavanaugh responded by sending threatening emails to Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/relativitys-ryan-kavanaugh-threatens-netflix-over-sleeze-move-in-bankruptcy-court-ted-sarandos/|title=Relativity's Ryan Kavanaugh Threatens Netflix Over 'Sleeze Move' (Exclusive)|date=January 30, 2016|last=Waxman|first=Sharon|work=TheWrap|access-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728215014/https://www.thewrap.com/relativitys-ryan-kavanaugh-threatens-netflix-over-sleeze-move-in-bankruptcy-court-ted-sarandos/|archive-date=July 28, 2021|url-status=live}}

Shortly after the bankruptcy filing,{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/relativity-fraud-lawsuit-dismissed-ryan-kavanaugh-rka-film-financing-1202321220/|title=Relativity's Ryan Kavanaugh Gets Lender's $110M Fraud Lawsuit Dismissed|date=March 8, 2018|last=Pedersen|first=Erik|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224082837/https://deadline.com/2018/03/relativity-fraud-lawsuit-dismissed-ryan-kavanaugh-rka-film-financing-1202321220/|archive-date=December 24, 2021|url-status=live}} RKA Film Financing, then one of its lenders, sued the company for misappropriating marketing funds, called Kavanaugh a "con man", and alleged that he was operating a "scheme to defraud investors". They also alleged that Kavanaugh used their invested funds for personal expenses. Relativity Media denied that the money was diverted, saying that RKA Film Financing understood that the money would go into a general corporate account. Relativity Media countersued for $200 million. Kavanaugh and other defendants filed a motion to dismiss, arguing RKA Film Financing failed to state a claim, and the suit was dismissed with prejudice.{{cite news|last=Siegemund-Broka|first=Austin|title=Relativity's Ryan Kavanaugh, Film Financier Duke It Out In New Lawsuits|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/relativitys-ryan-kavanaugh-film-financier-810995/|access-date=December 28, 2021|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228134015/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/relativitys-ryan-kavanaugh-film-financier-810995/|archive-date=December 28, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ryan-kavanaugh-beats-110m-film-finance-fraud-suit-1093249/|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Beats $110M Film Finance Fraud Suit|date=March 8, 2018|last=Cullins|first=Ashley|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127125511/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ryan-kavanaugh-beats-110m-film-finance-fraud-suit-1093249/|archive-date=November 27, 2021|url-status=live}}

Relativity Media's operations and reorganization remained under the supervision of a bankruptcy court until March 2016.{{cite web|first1=David|last1=Lieberman|first2=Anita|last2=Busch|date=March 18, 2016|title=Relativity Media & Ryan Kavanaugh: A Walk Down Memory Lane Of Hype|url=https://deadline.com/2016/03/relativity-media-ryan-kavanaugh-bankruptcy-claims-fact-check-1201717186/|access-date=December 13, 2021|website=Deadline Hollywood|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206020658/https://deadline.com/2016/03/relativity-media-ryan-kavanaugh-bankruptcy-claims-fact-check-1201717186/|archive-date=December 6, 2021|url-status=live}} Kavanaugh eventually stepped down as CEO at the end of 2016 but held onto a majority equity of Relativity Media.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/relativity-ryan-kavanaugh-paid-himself-bankruptcy-1202834390/|title=Ex-Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh Paid Himself $2.6 Million as Company Struggled|last=Maddaus|first=Gene|date=July 6, 2018|work=Variety|access-date=November 28, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711144303/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/relativity-ryan-kavanaugh-paid-himself-bankruptcy-1202834390/|archive-date=July 11, 2021|url-status=live}} Leading up to his resignation, Kavanaugh was absent from the company's offices for weeks and did not take part in executive decisions.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/ryan-kavanaugh-steps-back-at-relativity-media-958099/|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Steps Back at Relativity Media, Dana Brunetti Exits as President|date=December 20, 2016|last=Kilday|first=Gregg|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220214213713/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/ryan-kavanaugh-steps-back-at-relativity-media-958099/|archive-date=February 14, 2022|url-status=live}}

In May 2018, Relativity Media filed for bankruptcy again and arranged to sell all of its assets.{{cite web|date=May 3, 2018|last=Williams|first=Trey|title=Relativity Media Files for Chapter 11 Again After Racking Up $500 Million-Plus Debt in 2 Years|url=https://www.thewrap.com/relativity-media-is-selling-all-of-its-assets-to-new-york-investment-group-ultrav-holdings/|url-status=live|access-date=December 13, 2021|website=TheWrap|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213091954/https://www.thewrap.com/relativity-media-is-selling-all-of-its-assets-to-new-york-investment-group-ultrav-holdings/|archive-date=December 13, 2021}} The United States Trustee's office argued that the bankruptcy seemed to benefit Kavanaugh and the new buyer UltraV Holdings at the expense of Relativity Media's creditors. The trustee learned that Kavanaugh paid himself $2.6 million between April and November 2016 while his company failed to pay bankruptcy fees or file tax returns. They also questioned the legitimacy of Relativity Media's sale to UltraV Holdings since Kavanaugh continued to have extensive access at the company after the bankruptcy filing stated that he had already left.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/06/ryan-kavanaugh-paid-millions-as-relativity-circled-drain-books-records-in-disarray-trustee-says-1202405124/|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Might Have Been Paid $2.6M As Relativity Circled Drain With Books & Records In "Disarray"|date=June 6, 2018|last1=Busch|first1=Anita|last2=Chmielewski|first2=Dawn C.|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=December 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202230046/https://deadline.com/2018/06/ryan-kavanaugh-paid-millions-as-relativity-circled-drain-books-records-in-disarray-trustee-says-1202405124/|archive-date=December 2, 2021|url-status=live}} UltraV Holdings quickly rehired Kavanaugh as a consultant for Relativity Media, paying him $10,000 per month.{{Cite news|last=Hayes|first=Dade|date=May 21, 2018|title=He's Baaaack! Ryan Kavanaugh Hired As Consultant By Relativity's New Owners|work=Deadline Hollywood|url=https://deadline.com/2018/05/ryan-kavanaugh-relativity-media-consultant-new-ownership-1202395387/|access-date=December 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224082831/https://deadline.com/2018/05/ryan-kavanaugh-relativity-media-consultant-new-ownership-1202395387/|archive-date=December 24, 2021|url-status=live}}

In June 2018, an arbitration case found that Relativity Media executives fabricated a memo accusing Relativity Media's former co-president Adam Fields of sexual harassment. A forensic audit of Relativity Media found the memo had been generated by a user named "kav kav".{{cite news|last=Busch|first=Anita|title=Relativity Fabricated Memo Claiming Sexual Harassment Against Former Co-President Adam Fields, Judge Awards $8.4M|url=https://deadline.com/2018/06/relativity-memo-sexual-harassment-fraudulent-against-former-co-president-adam-fields-1202398823/|access-date=January 3, 2022|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124052402/https://deadline.com/2018/06/relativity-memo-sexual-harassment-fraudulent-against-former-co-president-adam-fields-1202398823/|archive-date=November 24, 2021}}{{cite news|last=Lopez|first=Ricardo|title=Relativity Media Fabricated Memo Containing Claims of Sexual Harassment by Former Co-President Adam Fields|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/relativity-media-fabricated-memo-1202830211/|access-date=August 24, 2021|work=Variety|date=June 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122224947/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/relativity-media-fabricated-memo-1202830211/|archive-date=November 22, 2021|url-status=live}} Relativity Media submitted the falsified memo to court two weeks before Fields's wrongful termination suit against Kavanaugh was set to be tried.{{cite news|last1=Shepherd|first1=Jack|date=June 5, 2018|title=Major film studio Relativity Media forged #metoo memo accusing co-president of sexual harassment, judge finds|work=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/relativity-media-metoo-memo-sexual-harassment-accusations-adam-fields-ryan-kavanaugh-judge-ruling-a8383801.html?r=57420|access-date=December 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221141927/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/relativity-media-metoo-memo-sexual-harassment-accusations-adam-fields-ryan-kavanaugh-judge-ruling-a8383801.html?r=57420|archive-date=December 21, 2021|url-status=live}} Fields's lawsuit alleged that Kavanaugh misrepresented Relativity Media's financial prospects, wrongfully fired Fields four months into his four-year contract, and used Relativity Media office space to produce pornography without the co-president's knowledge or authorization.{{Cite news|last=Ng|first=David|date=January 11, 2017|title=Former Relativity executive accuses founder of fraud and alleges porn activity in offices|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ci-ryan-kavanaugh-lawsuit-relativity-porn-20170111-story.html|url-access=limited|access-date=December 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527011318/https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ci-ryan-kavanaugh-lawsuit-relativity-porn-20170111-story.html|archive-date=May 27, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Donnelly|first1=Matt|date=June 7, 2018|title=Ryan Kavanaugh 'Shocked at Audacity' of New Lawsuit, Denies Relativity Invested in Porn|work=TheWrap|url=https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaugh-adam-fields-lawsuit-relativity-porn/|access-date=December 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929080750/https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaugh-adam-fields-lawsuit-relativity-porn/|archive-date=September 29, 2019|url-status=live}} A Los Angeles arbitration judge awarded Fields $8.4 million in damages and found that Kavanaugh "must be" one of the people who forged the sexual harassment memo.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/relativity-fabricated-sexual-harassment-accusations-against-former-executive-judge-says/|title=Relativity Fabricated Sexual Harassment Accusations Against Former Executive, Judge Says|date=June 4, 2018|last=Donnelly|first=Matt|website=TheWrap|access-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117165420/https://www.thewrap.com/relativity-fabricated-sexual-harassment-accusations-against-former-executive-judge-says/|archive-date=November 17, 2021|url-status=live}}

In 2017, Kavanaugh launched film production company Proxima Media.{{Cite news|last=Williams|first=Trey|date=May 15, 2019|title=Ryan Kavanaugh's New Company Announces $250 Million Injection for US Film Production|work=TheWrap|url=https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaugh-proxima-media-250-million-injection/|access-date=December 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224100924/https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaugh-proxima-media-250-million-injection/|archive-date=December 24, 2021|url-status=live}} In 2019, Kavanaugh announced a prospective partnership which would provide $250 million to Proxima Media for film production. However, the potential Hong Kong-based partner announced the deal differently, saying that Proxima Media would pay $100 million for a stake in their production company. Film industry peers and The Hollywood Reporter cast doubt on Kavanaugh's version of the announcement, citing the escalating trade war between the US and China and the unhealthy financial situation of the Hong Kong production company.{{Cite news|last1=Chu|first1=Karen|last2=Brzeski|first2=Patrick|date=May 22, 2019|title=Is Ryan Kavanaugh's New China Deal for Real?|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/is-ryan-kavanaughs-new-china-deal-real-1212502/|access-date=December 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212142554/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/is-ryan-kavanaughs-new-china-deal-real-1212502/|archive-date=December 12, 2021|url-status=live}}

After unsuccessfully attempting to acquire the online stock trading game Hollywood Stock Exchange (HSX) in February 2019, Kavanaugh set out to create a film properties trading exchange for fans to invest in movies.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/ryan-kavanaugh-china-film-production-hollywood|title=Former Hollywood exec Ryan Kavanaugh eyes China for film production|date=June 19, 2019|last=Gray|first=Robert|work=Fox Business|access-date=July 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422195313/https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/ryan-kavanaugh-china-film-production-hollywood|archive-date=April 22, 2022|url-status=live}} In May 2019, Kavanaugh announced a cryptocurrency to be used for fractional investing in the platform's slates.{{Cite news|last=Geier|first=Thom|date=May 23, 2019|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Unveils $100 Million Investment in Crypto-Based Proxicoin to Fund Film Projects (Exclusive)|work=TheWrap|url=https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaugh-unveils-100-million-investment-in-crypto-based-proxicoin-to-fund-film-projects-exclusive/|access-date=December 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224100923/https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaugh-unveils-100-million-investment-in-crypto-based-proxicoin-to-fund-film-projects-exclusive/|archive-date=December 24, 2021|url-status=live}} Kavanaugh was confident that the Jobs Act would allow his platform to operate legally, but securities experts said that the project's inherent risks might increase scrutiny from the SEC.{{Cite news|last=Williams|first=Trey|date=June 5, 2019|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Wants to Move on From Relativity: 'That Guy Was Kind of an A–hole'|work=TheWrap|url=https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaugh-relativity-the-grill-2019/|access-date=December 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124113931/https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaugh-relativity-the-grill-2019/|archive-date=November 24, 2021|url-status=live}} He tapped Elon Spar, who formerly worked for Cantor Fitzgerald, the owner of HSX, to help him develop the company. The two subsequently formed Entertainment Stock X (ESX) with Spar as CEO.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaugh-former-business-partner-resolve-legal-drama-over-entertainment-stock-exchange-exclusive/|title=Ryan Kavanaugh, Former Business Partner Resolve Legal Drama Over Entertainment Stock Exchange|date=June 7, 2019|last=Williams|first=Trey|website=TheWrap|access-date=November 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225113442/https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaugh-former-business-partner-resolve-legal-drama-over-entertainment-stock-exchange-exclusive/|archive-date=February 25, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Maddaus|first=Gene|date=June 7, 2019|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Accused by Ex-Partner of Running a Ponzi Scheme|url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/ryan-kavanaugh-ponzi-scheme-elon-spar-lawsuit-1203235781/|access-date=August 5, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805125916/https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/ryan-kavanaugh-ponzi-scheme-elon-spar-lawsuit-1203235781/|archive-date=August 5, 2021|url-status=live}}

In June 2019, Spar initiated a lawsuit against Kavanaugh for fraud.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/dueling-lawsuits-filed-a-stock-exchange-hollywood-movies-1216517/|title=Dueling Lawsuits Filed Over a Stock Exchange for Hollywood Movies|date=June 7, 2019|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=November 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124113419/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/dueling-lawsuits-filed-a-stock-exchange-hollywood-movies-1216517/|archive-date=November 24, 2021|url-status=live}} He argued that Kavanaugh persuaded him to go into business under false pretenses. According to the suit, Kavanaugh had claimed to have hundreds of millions of dollars in capital, but Spar discovered that the company had virtually none. Spar further accused Kavanaugh of running a Ponzi scheme at ESX by redirecting investors' funds to pay old debts, manipulating corporate records to conceal his fraud, as well as diverting corporate funds for his own personal use rather than paying employees and contractors. Kavanaugh submitted a counterclaim alleging Spar was breaching his contract with ESX. After settling outside of court, Kavanaugh and Spar withdrew their complaints before the court filing process was completed.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ryan-kavanaugh-podcaster-lawsuit-1235054660/|title=Ryan Kavanaugh's New Mind Bender: When Is a Lawsuit Not a Lawsuit?|date=November 30, 2021|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=November 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217095646/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ryan-kavanaugh-podcaster-lawsuit-1235054660/|archive-date=December 17, 2021|url-status=live}} Spar then released a public statement saying his earlier characterization of the company was inaccurate.

{{Further|Triller (company)}}

In 2019, Proxima Media acquired a majority stake in the video-sharing platform Triller, coinciding with the Trump administration's announcement that it intended to ban TikTok in the US.{{cite web|last=Cohan|first=William D.|date=October 15, 2020|title=Trump, Triller, and the return of Ryan Kavanaugh|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90563686/trump-triller-and-the-return-of-ryan-kavanaugh|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101114925/https://www.fastcompany.com/90563686/trump-triller-and-the-return-of-ryan-kavanaugh|archive-date=November 1, 2020|access-date=November 23, 2021|website=Fast Company}} Kavanaugh subsequently co-founded Triller Fight Club, a subsidiary focusing on pay-per-view boxing events.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/combat-sports-triad-combat-seeks-bridge-gap-between-boxing-mma-2021-11-04/|title=Combat sports-Triad Combat seeks to bridge gap between boxing and MMA|date=November 5, 2021|last=Carroll|first=Rory|work=Reuters|access-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123063415/https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/combat-sports-triad-combat-seeks-bridge-gap-between-boxing-mma-2021-11-04/|archive-date=November 23, 2021|url-status=live}} In 2021, Kavanaugh proposed a potential merger with SeaChange International to take Triller public. SeaChange International's filing with the SEC stated that a dog food company controlled by Kavanaugh sponsored three Triller fights and represented about 74% of Triller's accounts receivable in 2021. Triller's attorney disputed the revenue data in the filing, but the merger was later dissolved.{{cite web|last1=Contreras|first1=Brian|last2=Lee|first2=Wendy|date=October 4, 2022|title=Triller aimed to be the next TikTok. But some creators complain of missed or delayed payments|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2022-10-04/lat-et-ct-triller-lawsuit-ipo-ryan-kavanaugh|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=February 24, 2023|url-status=live|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225223401/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2022-10-04/lat-et-ct-triller-lawsuit-ipo-ryan-kavanaugh|archive-date=February 25, 2023}} As of October 2022, Proxima Media no longer owned a controlling share in Triller, and Kavanaugh was no longer a board member.

{{see also|List of Relativity Media films}}

As of 2012, Kavanaugh has been involved to some capacity in either production or financing for over 200 films,{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Chris|date=February 7, 2012|title=Wrench in the machine|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/story/_/id/7551098/expect-moneyball-change-hollywood-espn-magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015022409/https://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/story/_/id/7551098/expect-moneyball-change-hollywood-espn-magazine|archive-date=October 15, 2021|access-date=July 29, 2012|url-status=live|work=ESPN}} including The Fighter, Limitless, Hancock, Mamma Mia!, The Social Network, Salt, and Cowboys & Aliens. Kavanaugh was denied a producing credit for the Academy Award nomination of the film The Fighter since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences only allows the submission of up to three producers for Academy Award consideration;{{Cite news|last=Sperling|first=Nicole|date=January 13, 2011|title=Ryan Kavanaugh denied producing credit on {{'}}Fighter{{'}}|language=en-US|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-jan-13-la-fi-ct-fighter-20110113-story.html|url-status=live|access-date=November 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921212403/https://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/13/business/la-fi-ct-fighter-20110113|archive-date=September 21, 2015|issn=0458-3035}} Kavanaugh unsuccessfully appealed the Academy's decision.{{cite news|last=Fernandez|first=Sofia M.|date=January 15, 2011|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Loses AMPAS Appeal for {{'}}Fighter{{'}} Producer Credit|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ryan-kavanaugh-loses-ampas-appeal-72164|url-status=live|access-date=July 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123145617/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ryan-kavanaugh-loses-ampas-appeal-72164/|archive-date=November 23, 2021}}

In 2011, Kavanaugh married ballet dancer Britta Lazenga.{{cite web|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Weds Britta Lazenga in Capri (Video)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/ryan-kavanaugh-weds-britta-lazenga-210355/|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=December 23, 2021|date=July 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223041818/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/ryan-kavanaugh-weds-britta-lazenga-210355/|archive-date=December 23, 2021|url-status=live}} In 2015, he married model Jessica Roffey.{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/article/ryan-kavanaugh-wedding-katie-holmes-ryan-seacres|title=Inside Hollywood Mogul Ryan Kavanaugh's Star-Studded Wedding to Model Jessica Roffey|date=March 14, 2015|last1=Miller|first1=Michael|last2=Mercedes Lara|first2=Maria|website=People|access-date=December 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315064850/http://www.people.com/article/ryan-kavanaugh-wedding-katie-holmes-ryan-seacres|archive-date=March 15, 2015}} He has two children. He is a member of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-jewish-wilshire-boulevard-temple-renovation-150-million-330471|title=Hollywood's Hottest $150 Million Project Is an 83-Year-Old Synagogue|last=Baum|first=Gary|date=May 30, 2012|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123151411/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hollywood-jewish-wilshire-boulevard-temple-renovation-150-million-330471/|archive-date=November 23, 2021|url-status=live}} According to Forbes, while having been previously featured on their billionaires list in 2013,{{cite news|title=Youngest Billionaires of 2013|url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/eimh45gjid/no-19-ryan-kavanaugh|access-date=March 11, 2013|newspaper=Forbes|date=March 4, 2013|first=Brian|last=Solomon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102049/https://www.forbes.com/pictures/eimh45gjid/no-19-ryan-kavanaugh|archive-date=March 27, 2019}} Kavanaugh's net worth fell below $1 billion once Relativity Media filed for bankruptcy in 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2015/07/30/ryan-kavanaughs-relativity-media-files-for-bankruptcy/?sh=6cb425c43727|title=Bye-Bye, Billionaire: Ryan Kavanaugh's Relativity Media Files For Bankruptcy|date=July 30, 2015|last=O'Malley Greenburg|first=Zack|website=Forbes|access-date=December 23, 2021|quote=Ryan Kavanaugh is a billionaire no longer.}} As of 2020, Kavanaugh had been a regular donor to the Republican Party. After 47 years of living in Los Angeles, California, Kavanaugh expressed his intention to move both his residence and business to Florida due to LA's progressive governance, rising crime and homelessness, and California's perceived anti-business policies.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/hollywood-big-shot-fleeing-la-ryan-kavanaugh/|title=Crime, Homelessness, High Taxes: Why Hollywood Big Shots Like Ryan Kavanaugh Are Fleeing L.A.|date=January 26, 2022|last=Haithman|first=Diane|work=The Wrap|access-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609031309/https://www.thewrap.com/hollywood-big-shot-fleeing-la-ryan-kavanaugh/|archive-date=June 9, 2022|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/californians-now-willing-to-admit-why-they-are-leaving-11643236362|title=Californians Now Willing to Admit Why They Are Leaving|date=January 26, 2022|last=Freeman|first=James|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318083518/https://www.wsj.com/articles/californians-now-willing-to-admit-why-they-are-leaving-11643236362|archive-date=March 18, 2022|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} In January 2024, Kavanaugh launched a podcast, on which he and his guests discuss personal stories of failure.{{cite web|last=Siegel|first=Tatiana|date=January 31, 2024|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Is Back, Ready to Dish on His Failures, Brett Ratner and a Secret Lil Tay Project|url=https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/ryan-kavanaugh-failures-podcast-brett-ratner-lil-tay-project-1235892982/|access-date=February 12, 2024|work=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131173029/https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/ryan-kavanaugh-failures-podcast-brett-ratner-lil-tay-project-1235892982/|archive-date=January 31, 2024|url-status=live}}

Kavanaugh frequently used a personal helicopter for daily commuting.{{cite news|last1=Barnes|first1=Brooks|title=With Fan at the Helm, Marvel Safely Steers Its Heroes to the Screen|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/25/business/media/marvel-with-a-fan-at-the-helm-steers-its-heroes-to-the-screen.html|access-date=January 19, 2022|work=The New York Times|date=July 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219195847/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/25/business/media/marvel-with-a-fan-at-the-helm-steers-its-heroes-to-the-screen.html|archive-date=December 19, 2021|url-status=live|url-access=limited}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/living-large-leo-bradley-how-813227/|title=Living Large With Leo and Bradley: How Ryan Kavanaugh Enjoyed the Perks of Relativity's Rise|date=August 5, 2015|last1=Kilday|first1=Gregg|last2=McClintock|first2=Pamela|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=January 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728215231/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/living-large-leo-bradley-how-813227/|archive-date=July 28, 2021|url-status=live}} The resulting disturbance prompted some of his neighbors to submit complaints to state and local officials. When it was revealed that the hotel Kavanaugh used for landing was legally permitted only for emergency landings, a spokesperson for Kavanaugh expressed his intention to stop landing there.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-apr-01-la-me-kavanaugh-helicopter-20110401-story.html|title=Copter fight kicks up dust in W. Hollywood|date=April 1, 2011|last1=Linthicum|first1=Kate|last2=Fritz|first2=Ben|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=January 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418014731/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/apr/01/local/la-me-kavanaugh-helicopter-20110401|archive-date=April 18, 2016|url-status=live}}

In 2012, Kavanaugh was targeted by an extensive extortion plot that was mainly aimed at business executives, including Harvey Weinstein. The perpetrator sent a letter to Kavanaugh demanding $11.3 million and threatening the lives of his family members.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/harvey-weinstein-extortion-case-relativity-ryan-kavanaugh-375720/|title=Harvey Weinstein Extortion Case Expands to Relativity's Ryan Kavanaugh (Exclusive)|date=October 2, 2012|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=January 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022021855/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/harvey-weinstein-extortion-case-relativity-ryan-kavanaugh-375720/|archive-date=October 22, 2021|url-status=live}} A day after receiving the letter, actor Vivek Shah, who had been photographed with Kavanaugh at an event in 2011, was arrested on extortion charges and eventually convicted to seven years in prison.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/09/harvey-weinstein-ryan-kavanaugh-extortionist-gets-7-years-in-prison-584744/|title=Harvey Weinstein & Ryan Kavanaugh Extortionist Gets 7 Years In Prison|date=September 11, 2013|last=Patten|first=Dominic|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=January 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807080741/https://deadline.com/2013/09/harvey-weinstein-ryan-kavanaugh-extortionist-gets-7-years-in-prison-584744/|archive-date=August 7, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/12/harvey-weinstein-extortion-plot-sentence|title=Harvey Weinstein extortionist sentenced to seven years|date=September 12, 2013|last=Pulver|first=Andrew|website=The Guardian|access-date=January 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429115857/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/12/harvey-weinstein-extortion-plot-sentence|archive-date=April 29, 2019|url-status=live}}

In 2014, an email thread obtained through the Sony Pictures hack was published, in which Kavanaugh decries the US government's handling of the Gaza–Israel conflict.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/gaza-email-chain-irks-natalie-portman/|title=Gaza email chain irks Natalie Portman|date=December 24, 2014|last=Berman|first=Lazar|website=The Times of Israel|access-date=March 30, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211217194750/https://www.timesofisrael.com/gaza-email-chain-irks-natalie-portman/|archive-date=December 17, 2021|url-status=live}} Among the recipients was Natalie Portman who described the thread as "very disturbing"{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/natalie-portman-sounds-israel-netanyahu-793425/|title=Natalie Portman Sounds Off on Israel, Netanyahu, French Anti-Semitism and the "False Idol" of Oscar|date=May 6, 2015|last=Galloway|first=Stephen|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=March 30, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220316222149/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/natalie-portman-sounds-israel-netanyahu-793425/|archive-date=March 16, 2022|url-status=live}} and complained to Kavanaugh that she did not consent to have her private email address included in the mailing list and wished to be removed. Kavanaugh responded, "Sorry, You are right jews being slaughtered [...] is much much less important then {{sic}} your email address being shared with 20 of our peers" and continued to include her in the mailing list.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/sony-hacking-natalie-portman-reluctantly-embroiled-in-lengthy-email-exchange-about-antisemitism-and-gaza-9943922.html|title=Sony hacking: Natalie Portman reluctantly embroiled in lengthy email exchange about anti-Semitism and Gaza|date=December 24, 2014|last=Alexander|first=Ella|website=The Independent|access-date=March 30, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220130130936/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/sony-hacking-natalie-portman-reluctantly-embroiled-in-lengthy-email-exchange-about-antisemitism-and-gaza-9943922.html |archive-date=January 30, 2022|url-status=live}}

In 2006, Kavanaugh was arrested after being accused of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and being involved in a hit-and-run. All but the DUI charge, which was lessened to a wet reckless charge, were dropped. Kavanaugh was placed on three years of probation, ordered to pay a fine and take counseling and alcohol education programs.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/05/business/media/05kavanaugh.html|url-access=limited|title=Catch and Release? Yes, Says Moneyman|last=Cieply|first=Michael|date=May 5, 2008|access-date=November 24, 2021|website=The New York Times|issn=1553-8095|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106023535/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/05/business/media/05kavanaugh.html|archive-date=January 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/02/business/media/02kavanaugh.html|url-access=limited|title=Financier in Hollywood Strikes Deal in D.W.I.|date=June 2, 2008|last=Cieply|first=Michael|website=The New York Times|issn=1553-8095|access-date=November 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124002024/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/02/business/media/02kavanaugh.html|archive-date=November 24, 2021|url-status=live}} While on probation for his earlier DUI arrest, Kavanaugh was arrested for speeding and drunk driving with a suspended license in 2008. Kavanaugh pled guilty to violating his probation and the other charges were dropped. Kavanaugh then began using a driver.{{Cite news|last1=Cieply|first1=Michael|last2=Barnes|first2=Brooks|date=December 6, 2008|title=Hollywood Financier Is Arrested Again|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/06/movies/06kavanaugh.html?dbk|url-access=limited|issn=1553-8095|access-date=August 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122230100/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/06/movies/06kavanaugh.html?dbk|archive-date=November 22, 2021|url-status=live}}

In 2013, Kavanaugh was criminally investigated for potentially impeding the manhunt for Christopher Dorner because Kavanaugh had landed his helicopter on a sheriff's helipad during the manhunt. Prior to the investigation, Kavanaugh had declined to support sheriff Lee Baca's bid for reelection, whose department launched the investigation.{{Cite news|last=Faturechi|first=Robert|date=July 26, 2013|title=Studio exec investigated for copter use during Dorner manhunt|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2013-jul-26-la-me-sheriff-helicopter-20130727-story.html|url-access=limited|access-date=December 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204174351/https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2013-jul-26-la-me-sheriff-helicopter-20130727-story.html|archive-date=December 4, 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=July 27, 2013|title=Chris Dorner manhunt slowed by Hollywood exec?|work=ABC7|url=https://abc7.com/archive/9187018/|access-date=December 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205230844/https://abc7.com/archive/9187018/|archive-date=December 5, 2020|url-status=live}} The investigation was heavily criticized by Kavanaugh and a spokesperson called it a "politically motivated vendetta".{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/relativity-sheriffs-departments-claim-against-ryan-kavanaugh-politically-motivated-106356/|title=Sheriff Dept.'s Claim Against Ryan Kavanaugh Is 'Politically Motivated,' Says Studio|date=July 26, 2013|website=TheWrap|access-date=January 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221114024/https://www.thewrap.com/relativity-sheriffs-departments-claim-against-ryan-kavanaugh-politically-motivated-106356/|archive-date=December 21, 2021|url-status=live}} The investigation was later closed after it concluded that Kavanaugh had received prior permission to land on the helipad.{{Cite news|last=Shaw|first=Lucas|date=July 31, 2013|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Cleared in Chris Dorner Manhunt Investigation (Exclusive)|work=TheWrap|url=https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaugh-cleared-chris-dorner-manhunt-investigation-exclusive-107316/|access-date=December 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221143138/https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-kavanaugh-cleared-chris-dorner-manhunt-investigation-exclusive-107316/|archive-date=December 21, 2021|url-status=live}}

According to former Relativity Media executives, Kavanaugh often pledged large charitable gifts and then billed them to the company. In 2007, Kavanaugh presented Habitat for Humanity with an oversized check pledging $1 million and announced he would become a fund-raising chair for the charity. However, as of 2015, Kavanaugh had not yet donated the promised funds.{{Cite news|last=Rainey|first=James|date=September 8, 2015|title=How Ryan Kavanaugh Failed to Deliver $1 Million to Charity|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/relativity-media-ryan-kavanaugh-habitat-for-humanity-1201586534/|access-date=December 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124060812/https://variety.com/2015/film/news/relativity-media-ryan-kavanaugh-habitat-for-humanity-1201586534/|archive-date=November 24, 2021|url-status=live}} In 2010, the Board of Governors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center awarded Kavanaugh its Hollywood Humanitarian Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ryan-kavanaugh-be-honored-by-234698/|title=Ryan Kavanaugh to Be Honored By the Anti-Defamation League|date=September 13, 2011|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=January 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103182710/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ryan-kavanaugh-be-honored-by-234698/|archive-date=January 3, 2022|url-status=live}} In 2011, he received the Anti-Defamation League's Distinguished Entertainment Industry Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS89420772320110913|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Collects Honor From Anti-Defamation League|last=Weinstein|first=Joshua L.|date=September 13, 2011|website=Reuters|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724154108/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS89420772320110913|archive-date=July 24, 2018|url-status=live}} Kavanaugh was chairman of the board of The Art of Elysium from 2009 until 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/ryan-kavanaugh-resigns-as-art-847879/|title=Ryan Kavanaugh Resigns as Art of Elysium's Chairman of Board, Replaced by Billionaire Timothy Headington|date=December 11, 2015|last=Gardner|first=Chris|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514184402/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/ryan-kavanaugh-resigns-as-art-847879/|archive-date=May 14, 2021|url-status=live}}

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Category:1974 births

Category:Living people

Category:American financiers

Category:People from Brentwood, Los Angeles

Category:University of California, Los Angeles alumni

Category:American chief executives

Category:Brentwood School (Los Angeles) alumni

Category:American film production company founders

Category:21st-century American Jews