Welsh entrepreneur Joe Blackman, who earned an MBE in 2022, is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The businessman, originally from Llantwit Major, has been charged with assault in the US. Reports allege that Joe attacked his girlfriend Lisa when she tried to stop him from leaving their Austin home with a hefty £44k in cash and her family’s jewellery.
The incident supposedly unfolded after a night out at the South by Southwest festival. According to the police report, tensions escalated when Joe decided to go partying with his mates, leaving Lisa to head home. Upon returning, things took a dramatic turn as Joe hurriedly packed a bag, leading to a confrontation that ended with Lisa reportedly being shoved to the ground.
Having moved to Texas in 2020 to embrace business opportunities, Joe is not only an entrepreneur but also a board member of the British-American Business Council. He previously sold a successful party-planning business for millions, carving out a prominent name for himself.
Following the incident, Joe was arrested and later released on bail set at $3,000, with restrictions not to contact Lisa or possess firearms. He hasn’t yet entered a plea, and a pre-trial review is scheduled for June. Despite his troubled personal life, Joe remains a notable figure, having previously organised star-studded events for celebrities like 50 Cent and Ed Sheeran.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!