Harry Jowsey, the Australian reality TV star known for *Too Hot to Handle* and *Perfect Match*, is embroiled in a lawsuit with Matthew Axelrod, a former business partner, over his new social media platform, Dark Room. Axelrod alleges breach of contract, fraud, and misrepresentation, claiming he played a key role in securing funding and developing the concept for Dark Room, a platform that allows users to share voice notes anonymously. According to Axelrod, he was initially promised significant equity and a leadership role in the company, but Jowsey cut him out of the business.

Jowsey disputes Axelrod’s claims, stating that Axelrod contributed minimally to the project and misrepresented his credentials. He asserts that Dark Room is his original idea and that the lawsuit is an attempt to exploit the platform’s growing potential. The dispute centers on the handling of initial seed funding, reportedly in the millions, and whether Axelrod’s contributions warranted the equity he is seeking.

Launched earlier this year, Dark Room has gained traction, particularly among Gen Z users, and has attracted investment from high-profile figures. Jowsey has promoted the platform as a more authentic alternative to Instagram and TikTok, emphasizing “realness” in online interactions. However, the lawsuit could disrupt Dark Room’s momentum, as Jowsey relies on his reality TV persona and influencer status to drive user acquisition and secure further funding.

Court documents filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court detail allegations of misleading statements made by Jowsey to investors and claims of misallocated funds. Jowsey’s legal team has dismissed the suit as baseless, aiming to discredit Axelrod’s claims. The case is ongoing, with a court date yet to be determined. The lawsuit has drawn attention in the tech and influencer marketing spaces, raising questions about business ethics and the challenges of navigating partnerships in the social media startup world, particularly when a personal brand is involved.