A shocking story of deception and betrayal has emerged from the Australian film industry, leaving a trail of victims in its wake.
The Hollywood Conman Strikes Again
A convicted con artist, Joshua Howlett, has allegedly left a string of Aussies empty-handed after promising big-name Hollywood collaborations and lucrative film deals. But here's where it gets controversial: Howlett's tactics seem to have evolved, and his latest alleged victims are speaking out with fury.
Howlett first made headlines when he claimed to be producing a movie about NBA star Matthew Dellavedova's inspiring journey from rural Victoria to NBA fame. He tried to lure in the star by dropping names like Woody Harrelson, Nick Nolte, and Liam Hemsworth, suggesting their involvement. However, the project never materialized, and Howlett disappeared after his past as a conman was exposed.
Now, Howlett is back, and the allegations against him are piling up. One alleged victim, a budding actor, claims to have been kept in talks for over a decade, with Howlett taking more than $70,000 and delivering almost nothing in return.
"People need to know who he is," the victim told the Daily Mail. "He needs to be stopped. It's disgusting what he's done."
Howlett's past conviction in 2019 for obtaining financial advantage by deception serves as a stark warning. In that case, he conned a doctor into investing $150,000 into a film called 'Better Half', promising his daughter a starring role. The funds disappeared, and Howlett spent them on personal items, from fines to rent and travel expenses.
And this is the part most people miss: Howlett was simultaneously trying to secure the rights to Dellavedova's story. The star's manager, Bruce Kaider, revealed they killed the project after concerns about Howlett's character. Kaider described Howlett as a "snake" and someone they didn't want to do business with.
Now, Howlett has relocated to the Gold Coast, and a fresh trail of unhappy business partners is calling him out. A Sydney actor, Ben Taylor, and a Melbourne couple, Mel Matulin and Jamie Etherington, claim to have been financially impacted by alleged failed ventures with Howlett.
Taylor alleges that Howlett received over $70,000 over several years to produce three projects. He claims to have only received an 11-page 'story treatment' for one project and was promised Hollywood connections and funding that never materialized.
"I was so excited. Oh my god, he was talking to so many people. I was on cloud nine," Taylor said.
But the excitement soon turned to anger and sadness as Taylor realized he had been manipulated. He confronted Howlett this year after discovering his conman past, only to be met with threats and a restraining order.
"He's a master. He got me good. I was in his slipstream... I understood later I was being gaslit," Taylor revealed.
The Melbourne couple, Matulin and Etherington, also shared their experience with Howlett. They claim he hired Jamie for a purported Vogue shoot but never paid him, the stylist, or the model. Matulin created Facebook posts to warn others about Howlett's deals, receiving responses from others who had "horrific experiences."
"He's ruined some people's lives. People need to know who he is. He needs to be stopped," Matulin said.
Taylor plans to report Howlett to Victoria Police and the Office of Public Prosecutions. The Daily Mail reached out to Howlett for comment, but he referred all inquiries to his lawyer.
This story raises important questions about the film industry and the potential for exploitation. Are there enough safeguards in place to protect aspiring artists and investors from such con artists? And what can be done to ensure justice for the victims and prevent future incidents?
What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below.
