Rising Star’s Dreams Dashed by Fake Talent Agent Scam
Actor Thea Beyleveld and others have come forward alleging financial exploitation by Archie Purnell, a self-proclaimed talent agent who has declared bankruptcy. Many former clients report unpaid fees, with a collective loss nearing £40,000. Accusations include false claims about acting credits and making unverified promises regarding auditions. The agency, Bodhi Talent, operated without regulation, leaving actors vulnerable to scams in an industry notoriously challenging post-Covid. The case has sparked discussions about the need for tighter regulations in talent management, emphasizing the trust actors place in their agents.