A notorious conman with a history of exploiting Hollywood connections is once again in the spotlight, facing fresh allegations of defrauding aspiring actors and filmmakers in Australia. Joshua Howlett, previously convicted of financial deception, is accused of leaving a trail of broken promises and empty bank accounts in his wake.
Howlett first gained notoriety by claiming he was producing a film about NBA star Matthew Dellavedova, enticing the athlete with promises of involvement from Hollywood luminaries such as Woody Harrelson and Liam Hemsworth. However, the project collapsed when Howlett’s criminal past came to light, and he vanished.
New Allegations Surface
Now, Howlett is accused of stringing along hopeful actor Ben Taylor for over a decade, allegedly taking more than $70,000 from him under the guise of producing multiple film projects. Taylor, who believed Howlett’s claims of Hollywood connections, is left with little more than an 11-page story treatment and a series of broken promises.
“People need to know who he is,” Taylor told the Daily Mail. “He needs to be stopped – it’s disgusting what he’s done.”
“He’s wreaking havoc, I just hate him so much, I want him to go to jail. I have no qualms about that. He’s wasted a decade of my life. I thought I was going insane – I understood later I was being gaslit.” – Ben Taylor
Howlett’s Criminal Past
Howlett’s criminal record dates back to 2019 when he was convicted of obtaining financial advantage by deception. The Melbourne County Court heard that he conned a doctor into investing $150,000 in a film called ‘Better Half,’ promising a starring role for the doctor’s daughter. The project halted when funds disappeared, later discovered to have been spent on Howlett’s personal expenses.
At the same time, Howlett attempted to secure the Dellavedova film project. Bruce Kaider, Dellavedova’s manager, expressed early skepticism, stating, “Josh wasn’t the kind of person we like to do business with. We didn’t want anything to do with him.”
More Victims Come Forward
In addition to Taylor, a Melbourne couple, Mel Matulin and Jamie Etherington, have also come forward with claims against Howlett. They allege that Howlett hired Etherington for a Vogue shoot but failed to pay for his services, leaving both the stylist and model uncompensated.
Matulin has taken to social media to warn others, stating, “He’s ruined some people’s lives along the way. People need to know who he is. He needs to be stopped.”
“He is an incredibly manipulative and, in my opinion, dangerous person, who has done horrible things to many people.” – Mel Matulin
Legal Actions and Future Implications
Ben Taylor intends to report Howlett to Victoria Police and the Office of Public Prosecutions, hoping to prevent further victims from falling prey to his schemes. Meanwhile, Howlett, who is believed to have relocated to the Gold Coast, has remained silent, directing all inquiries to his lawyer.
The unfolding drama highlights the vulnerabilities within the film industry, where aspiring talents often fall victim to unscrupulous individuals promising fame and success. As authorities investigate, the case serves as a cautionary tale for those navigating the complex world of film production.
With multiple victims stepping forward and legal actions pending, the implications for Howlett could be severe. The industry watches closely as the saga unfolds, hoping for justice and a resolution to the alleged fraud.
