Roberts-Smith Collaborated With Firm That Promoted ‘War Crimes’ Supplement
Former Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith appeared in a social media collaboration between his apparel brand and Zero Limits, a supplements company that previously promoted a pre-workout product called “war crimes.” Roberts-Smith is awaiting trial on war crimes charges and has denied the allegations.
Former Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith collaborated with supplements company Zero Limits in a social media video posted in October, linking his apparel brand Epic 1 Two with a business that had promoted a pre-workout product called “war crimes.” Roberts-Smith is awaiting trial on war crimes charges and has denied the allegations.
The video showed Roberts-Smith, Zero Limits co-owner Chris Katelaris and others working out at a gym. On-screen graphics identified the brands as collaborators, and both companies posted the video to their Instagram pages.
Zero Limits is co-owned by Katelaris, a right-wing podcaster and fitness coach also known as “Big Chocky.” The company describes itself as “veteran owned and operated.”
Months before the collaboration, Zero Limits repeatedly promoted a product named “war crimes,” an energy supplement in a “kill or capture cola” flavor. Its label showed a hooded captive seated in a room with an Australian flag and a tall figure in a balaclava and military-style clothing.
Katelaris promoted the product in a gym video posted on July 26. “War crimes, it’s the pre-workout for you,” he said.
Zero Limits no longer lists the product on its website. Roberts-Smith was not shown endorsing, mentioning or using it.
Roberts-Smith has promoted a different Zero Limits pre-workout drink, sharing an Instagram story of himself drinking it. He gave the brand a “massive shout out” and urged followers to visit its website.
He also appeared last week on the Zero Limits podcast, hosted by another founder of the supplements company. Roberts-Smith recently launched Epic 1 Two, an apparel brand selling T-shirts and gym wear.
Roberts-Smith was arrested in April and charged with five counts of war crime—murder—relating to three incidents during his service in Afghanistan in 2009 and 2012. The allegations involve Afghan nationals being shot dead by Roberts-Smith or a subordinate under his command while he was present, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said in April.
He has denied the charges. “I categorically deny all of these allegations … I will be taking this opportunity to finally clear my name,” he said in a statement after his arrest.
In a civil defamation case, a federal court found on the balance of probabilities that Roberts-Smith murdered unarmed civilians while serving in the Australian Special Air Service Regiment. The court found he kicked Afghan man Ali Jan in the chest, causing him to fall over a cliff, and then ordered another soldier to shoot him.
Zero Limits and Katelaris did not answer specific questions about the collaboration. A statement issued through a lawyer said: “The products are great, make sure you check them out.” Katelaris said: “If you thought this was wild, wait until next week’s campaign drops.”
