From dropout to “millionaire mentor,” Josh King Madrid, also known as “JetSet,” has established a flashy online persona. He’s a self-proclaimed marketer, author, and internet celebrity with high-profile features on platforms like Entrepreneur, Rolling Stone, Maxim, Futuresharks, and London Daily Post. The headlines read like the blueprint of a modern success story.
But beneath the glitzy features lies a narrative fueled by paid media placements, PR-driven storytelling, and a series of controversies. With accusations of deceptive business practices and a Change.org petition calling for legal action against him, Madrid’s tale is more complicated than it appears.
This investigative article sheds light on the tactics, media platforms, and controversies surrounding Josh “JetSet” Madrid, revealing how modern media can shape perceptions in favor of those who can afford it.
The Paid Media Strategy: Buying Credibility
The headlines are hard to miss. Phrases like “From UC Dropout to Jet Set Millionaire” dominate platforms like Maxim and Futuresharks. But behind these features is a common thread—paid media placements. Let’s take a closer look at the platforms used to promote Madrid’s image.
- Entrepreneur Magazine:
Josh Madrid’s author page on Entrepreneur positions him as a thought leader, but it’s part of the Entrepreneur Leadership Network, a pay-to-play system where contributors pay for visibility. These articles position him as an “expert” but lack independent validation. - Rolling Stone Council:
Madrid’s feature on Rolling Stone‘s website is listed under Rolling Stone Culture Council, another platform that allows paid memberships for “exclusive” contributors. For a subscription fee, individuals can write articles and build their perceived authority. This placement gives him the appearance of being a noteworthy figure while side-stepping traditional editorial scrutiny. - Maxim Article:
Two near-identical articles about Madrid are listed under Maxim’s Partner Content section. Such sections exist on major publications to promote sponsored content, often blending it with legitimate reporting. The articles paint him as a “millionaire” and “author,” but the claims about wealth and success remain unverified and self-reported. - Futuresharks:
Futuresharks regularly features startup founders, many of whom use paid content placement as part of their PR strategy. The two articles about Madrid are strikingly similar in tone and content, repeating the same points found in other media, signaling a press release republished as “news.” - London Daily Post:
The London Daily Post featured Madrid in an article calling him “your favorite internet celebrity’s favorite internet celebrity.” This platform is known for paid advertorials, allowing public figures to appear in “news” without scrutiny.
Legal Troubles and Public Backlash

Madrid’s self-made narrative is not without resistance. A Change.org petition, signed by individuals claiming to be his former clients, accuses him of fraud and deceptive business practices. The petition calls for action from both the U.S. government and the State of California, alleging that Madrid’s affiliates engaged in unethical behavior.
The allegations are not isolated. A YouTube video breakdown on Madrid highlights his “get-rich-quick” style sales tactics, questioning the legitimacy of his claims. The video sheds light on inconsistencies in his story, echoing complaints from those who feel misled.
Links: Change.org Petition, YouTube Expose
The Illusion of Success: Claims vs. Reality
Madrid’s promotional materials frequently tout the following claims:
- Millionaire by Age 24
- Successful Author of JETSET: The Art of Influence (A Self Published book for the sole purpose of branding)
- Popular Podcast Host
But public records, independent verification, and his legal history paint a different picture. Most of these titles are self-appointed, and his wealth claims remain unverified. His book, JETSET, is self-published, and his success as a “millionaire” is not backed by any disclosed financial records.
Supplier of Fame
We have received information from our sources that Josh King Madrid has not just created fabricated fame for himself, but rather has been a supplier for many people on the internet. He has been selling these services through his service name “Paperboat” on a popular peer-to-peer marketplace.

He has sold services worth $14,000+ and purchased services worth over $77,000 that were resold to his clients. One of his services titled ‘BEST PR OFFER: 20 Articles For $495 | Rank On Google | Organic Journalist Articles’ shows how he is a major supplier of the fake press floating on Google, with the main aim of fooling the people by presenting it as organic journalist written articles.

As mentioned earlier in our investigative report, he has been the author of multiple books and self self-proclaiming himself as a bestseller author. But we found out he had been offering a service at just $1,250 you can become a successful author of a 99-page book, that will be posted on Google Books and Amazon. He also can get it to become a bestseller on amazon, which when we investigated got to know that it possible, through a few deceptive practices.

Building a Persona vs. Building a Legacy
Josh “JetSet” Madrid exemplifies how paid media and self-promotion can create the appearance of success, regardless of substance. Through platforms like Entrepreneur, Rolling Stone, and Maxim, he has manufactured a public persona rooted in buzzwords like “millionaire mentor” and “influencer.” But this story has cracks.
The reliance on paid platforms raises questions about media integrity, especially in an era where appearance often outweighs reality. As his critics grow more vocal, and lawsuits begin to surface, Madrid faces the ultimate test—can his reputation withstand scrutiny?
While there’s nothing wrong with self-promotion, the ethical line is crossed when misrepresentation and deception enter the equation. Without independently verifiable success, the “JetSet” brand risks becoming a cautionary tale.