Controversy erupts over Joslin Smith book as author faces ‘exploitation’ claims

The author of Joslin Smith: Echoes of A Missing Child, a book about Joslin Smith’s disappearance, is facing criticism for allegedly “profiting from the pain” of the missing girl’s family and community.

The blonde-haired, green-eyed girl vanished last February from Diazville in Saldanha Bay and has not been found.

In May, her mother, Kelly Smith, along with Jacquin “Boeta” Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, received life sentences from Western Cape High Court judge Nathan Erasmus for kidnapping and child trafficking. They were denied leave to appeal.

JOSLIN SMITH BOOK: AUTHOR ACCUSED OF POCKETING FROM TRAGEDY

This week, Monthany Hendricks, founder and president of Atlantis Search and Rescue, launched a petition to stop the production of Joslin Smith: Echoes of a Missing Child.

Greg Wells-Clifton, who runs the charitable foundation Pay It Forward and manages a popular Facebook page, wrote the book.

The book “delves into the gripping account” of the missing girl and is scheduled for release on 1 December.

Hendricks, however, claims Wells-Clifton wrote the book without the family’s consent and is trying to “profit from the pain” of the tragedy.

The petition read: “This act of insensitivity and lack of respect for Joslin’s family underscores the necessity for us to take a stand against such exploitative narratives. Families dealing with the disappearance of a loved one deserve empathy, support, and privacy – not exploitation for monetary gain. 

“Greg’s book not only shows disregard for the affected family’s feelings but also contributes to the commodification of personal and heartbreaking tragedies, turning them into opportunities for profit”.

Hendricks called on the public and bookstores to boycott the sale of the book.

“Supporting this petition will send a strong message that we reject the exploitation of tragic events and demand that families like Joslin’s are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

“This is more than just about one book. It’s about standing up for ethical standards and protecting the dignity of those in unimaginable pain”.

AUTHOR: ‘I HAVE NEVER MET JOSLIN’

Meanwhile, Greg Wells-Clifton addressed the rising criticism of Joslin Smith: Echoes of A Missing Child, which he says he is still writing.

The philanthropist told IOL that the book will document his experiences, searches, and interactions since he became involved in the case in February 2024.

Wells-Clifton said he has met and spoken with Joslin’s parents, including conducting prison interviews with the missing girl’s mother, Kelly Smith.

He added, “I never met Joslin”.

According to a Shopify site, the print copy of the book would sell for R410, while digital copies were R380. Pre-orders would include a personalised message and “autograph” from the author

Earlier this year, the Pay It Forward founder claimed he had footage of a girl he believed to be Joslin. His Facebook posts were widely condemned for “harming the investigation.”