A shocking tale of deception and betrayal unfolds as we delve into the world of a Hollywood-style conman and his latest alleged victims. Prepare to be outraged as we expose the dark side of the entertainment industry.
Our story begins with Joshua Howlett, a convicted con artist with a penchant for Hollywood glamor. Howlett first caught the public's attention when he claimed to be producing a film about the inspiring journey of NBA star Matthew Dellavedova. He lured in the star with promises of involvement from Tinsel Town heavyweights like Woody Harrelson, Nick Nolte, and Liam Hemsworth. But this project, like many others, fizzled out when Howlett's true nature was exposed, leaving a trail of empty promises and disappointed victims.
But here's where it gets controversial... Howlett, now 36, is back in the spotlight, facing fresh allegations of deception and financial exploitation. One alleged victim, speaking to the Daily Mail, described Howlett's actions as "disgusting" and urged others to be aware of his manipulative tactics.
Howlett's past conviction in 2019 for obtaining financial advantage by deception should have served as a warning. Yet, he continued his charade, targeting aspiring actors and filmmakers with promises of Hollywood connections and funding.
One such victim, Sydney actor Ben Taylor, claimed to have been left out-of-pocket after allegedly investing over $70,000 in Howlett's projects. Taylor's story is a cautionary tale of trust betrayed. He handed over significant sums of money, including a $50,000 loan from his parents, based on Howlett's promises and alleged Hollywood connections. But in return, he received only empty words and a few pages of poorly written scripts.
And this is the part most people miss... Howlett's manipulation extended beyond financial exploitation. He played on people's dreams and aspirations, offering false hope and a glimpse of Hollywood success. Taylor, like many others, believed in Howlett's vision, only to be left feeling "very sad and angry" when the reality of the situation became clear.
Another alleged victim, Melbourne couple Mel Matulin and Jamie Etherington, shared a similar experience. Howlett hired Jamie for a purported Vogue shoot, but neither he nor the other professionals involved were ever paid. Matulin took to Facebook to warn others about Howlett's deals, receiving dozens of responses from people who had also had "horrific experiences" with him.
Matulin described Howlett as an "incredibly manipulative" and "dangerous" person, whose actions have "ruined some people's lives."
So, what now? Howlett, believed to have relocated to the Gold Coast, is facing fresh allegations and the prospect of further legal action. Taylor plans to report Howlett to Victoria Police and the Office of Public Prosecutions.
As we conclude this tale of deception, we're left with a thought-provoking question: How can we protect aspiring artists and entrepreneurs from such manipulative individuals? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's spark a conversation and ensure that stories like these don't go untold.
