Carlos Ghon Discusses Film Adaptation with Hollywood Producer Before Escape

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] "Carlos Ghosn did not know much about film production, but it seems he wanted to learn about it." The New York Times (NYT)

Former Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn, who was indicted in Japan on charges of embezzlement and breach of trust and fled to Lebanon, reportedly once described his situation in the form of a movie plot before leaving Tokyo, according to NYT citing sources on the 2nd (local time).

According to the report, last December at his Tokyo residence, Ghosn explained his story in the form of a movie plot to Hollywood producer John Lesher, who won an Academy Award for the 2014 film "Birdman." The theme was about salvation, and the main villain was the Japanese judicial system. Sources said Ghosn depicted his experience of being unfairly detained by the Japanese government and the events he went through to prove his innocence. The conversation only reached the introduction stage and did not proceed further, they added. NYT evaluated that "Ghosn was preparing a shocking twist."

Since the shocking news of Ghosn's escape from Japan on the 31st of last month, global interest in his mode of movement and other details continues. Investigations by related countries including Japan, Lebanon, and Turkey are also being conducted belatedly. According to AP News and others, Albert Serhan, Lebanon's Minister of Justice, stated that Interpol's red notice request for Ghosn was received by the police that day and "the Lebanese prosecution will carry out its duties." However, he added, "We will conduct necessary investigations such as hearing Ghosn's position according to the law," and "Ghosn entered Lebanon with legal documents, and the security authorities confirmed there were no issues."

It is estimated that Ghosn secretly departed Kansai International Airport in Japan on the 29th of last month by private plane, transited through Istanbul, Turkey, and fled to Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. In response, Turkish authorities have arrested and are investigating seven people, including four pilots, two airport staff, and a transportation company manager, on suspicion of aiding Ghosn's escape. Japanese investigative authorities have also belatedly analyzed CCTV near Ghosn's Tokyo residence and confirmed that Ghosn was seen going out alone during the day on the 29th.

After reports that Ghosn left Japan under the planning of his wife, Carole Ghosn, he claimed that he prepared alone without his family's help. In a statement, he said, "The media reports that my wife Carole and other family members played a role in my departure from Japan are false."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.