Josh Macciello

Key Points

• Josh Macciello gained notoriety in 2012 for falsely claiming to be a bidder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, asserting he had billions in assets from gold mines and real estate, which was later debunked as fraudulent.

• He has a criminal record, including a 2002 conviction for possessing 3,000 Vicodin tablets for sale, and allegations of selling heroin, though he claims the latter case was dismissed.

• Macciello is currently involved in the entertainment industry as President of Global Ascension Studios LLC, with credits in documentaries like The Relentless Patriot (2024).

• His business ventures span real estate, entertainment, and green technology, but many claims lack substantiation, raising concerns about credibility.

• Investigations reveal a pattern of exaggerated claims, abandoned projects, and broken promises, with significant reputational and legal risks.

Overview

Josh Macciello, born around 1976, is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur and self-described producer, writer, and executive. He presents himself as a charismatic, self-made businessman with a diverse career spanning the New York Stock Exchange (1993–1996), real estate, entertainment, and green technology. Currently, he serves as President of Global Ascension Studios LLC, a company involved in film production, notably the documentaries The Relentless Patriot (2024) and The Man You Don’t Know (2024). Macciello has also claimed involvement in high-profile ventures, including financing for films like Salt and Walkaway Joe through Armital Entertainment, and ownership of gold mines and other assets. His public persona is that of a confident, underdog figure, often comparing himself to Rocky Balboa. However, investigations, particularly by L.A. Weekly, have exposed significant discrepancies in his claims, painting him as a charismatic but unreliable figure with a history of fraudulent assertions.

Allegations and Concerns

• Fraudulent Dodgers Bid (2012): Macciello claimed to be a contender to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2.2 billion, citing billions in assets from gold mines and real estate deals. L.A. Weekly and other outlets later revealed he had no such wealth, with his gold mine claims based on a questionable appraisal document he did not own. The bid was deemed a publicity stunt, and he was not a finalist in the auction.

• Criminal Record: In 2002, Macciello pleaded no contest to possessing 3,000 Vicodin tablets for sale, completing probation. A felony complaint also alleged he sold over 14 grams of heroin, though he claims this was dismissed. The conviction remains on his record, despite a later dismissal effort to clean it up for private employment purposes.

• Misrepresentation of Assets: Macciello’s claims of controlling billions in assets, including gold mines and a $10 billion Hong Kong bank account, were debunked. The gold mine appraisal was provided by a Portland real estate appraiser, not a mining expert, and belonged to another individual, not Macciello.

• Pattern of Deceit: Investigations describe Macciello as a “huckster” who leaves behind “abandoned projects and broken promises.” His charisma has persuaded media and individuals to trust him, despite evidence of deceit.

• Questionable Business Practices: Macciello’s involvement in various ventures, including Armital Entertainment and green technology, lacks verifiable success or tangible outcomes, raising concerns about the legitimacy of his enterprises.

Customer Feedback

There is limited publicly available customer feedback directly tied to Macciello’s business ventures, such as Global Ascension Studios or earlier enterprises like Armital Entertainment. The lack of consumer reviews may stem from the niche nature of his work in film production and private investments.

• Positive Feedback: Macciello’s LinkedIn profile and promotional materials highlight endorsements from industry figures, such as collaborators on The Relentless Patriot, describing him as a passionate leader with a vision for impactful storytelling. For example, a LinkedIn post praises his “Industry Leadership Award” at ABFF Honors 2023, suggesting recognition within certain entertainment circles.

• Negative Feedback: No direct customer complaints are documented in the provided sources, but media investigations, particularly by L.A. Weekly, cite skepticism from the public and media figures. For instance, callers to ESPN Radio questioned Macciello’s legitimacy during his Dodgers bid publicity, asking, “How come no one had heard of this guy before?” Additionally, the owner of the gold mine appraisal Macciello used stated, “He does not have our gold claims. He does not have nothing to do with us anymore,” indicating broken business relationships.

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: Macciello’s history of fraudulent claims, particularly the high-profile Dodgers bid, severely undermines his credibility. His pattern of exaggerating wealth and business success could deter potential partners or investors.

• Legal Risk: His criminal record, including a drug-related conviction, and allegations of misrepresentation pose ongoing legal vulnerabilities. Future business dealings could attract scrutiny from regulators or law enforcement if fraudulent practices persist.

• Financial Risk: Macciello’s lack of verifiable assets and history of failed ventures suggest a high risk of financial instability. Investors or partners face the possibility of unfulfilled commitments or financial loss.

• Operational Risk: The absence of tangible outcomes from his ventures, such as uncompleted projects or unverifiable claims about green technology, indicates potential operational inefficiencies or mismanagement.

Business Relations and Associations

• Global Ascension Studios LLC: Macciello is the President, overseeing film production, including The Relentless Patriot and The Man You Don’t Know. The company collaborates with Torch Entertainment and Triple Martini Productions.

• Armital Entertainment: Macciello claimed involvement in financing films like Salt and Walkaway Joe, though the extent of his role is unclear and lacks corroboration.

• Gold Mine Claims: Macciello was associated with a Portland-based individual who owned gold mine claims, but this relationship soured, with the owner explicitly distancing himself from Macciello.

• Media Interactions: Macciello engaged with prominent media figures, such as ESPN Radio hosts Steve Mason and John Ireland, and met with Dodger legend Tommy Lasorda, leveraging these connections to bolster his public image.

• Family Ties: His father, Josh Cruze, is an actor and musician with a sporadic relationship with Macciello. Cruze provided limited insight into Macciello’s background, noting his athletic past and move to Los Angeles.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Criminal Conviction (2002): Macciello pleaded no contest to possessing 3,000 Vicodin tablets for sale, completing probation. A related heroin sale allegation was dismissed, but the felony complaint remains part of his record. A 2011 dismissal effort did not erase the conviction but limited its disclosure to private employers.

• Fraud Allegations (2012): Macciello’s Dodgers bid was exposed as fraudulent, with no evidence of the claimed $2.2 billion or gold mine ownership. He also referenced a $10 billion Hong Kong bank account, later tied to a separate fraudulent scheme involving Michael Jackson’s former financial manager.

• No Bankruptcy Records: No public records indicate personal or business bankruptcy filings by Macciello, but his lack of verifiable assets suggests financial instability.

• Unpaid Debts: No specific unpaid debts are documented in the sources, but his history of broken promises and abandoned projects implies potential financial liabilities.

Risk Assessment Table