Other1 min read

Ben Roberts-Smith collaborates with gym business run by influencer that sold ‘war crimes’ pre-workout supplement

By · Via The Guardian · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Roberts-Smith linked his Epic 1 Two fitness label with Zero Limits through a joint social media workout video, directing followers to the supplement brand. The collaboration follows Katelaris previously marketing a "kill or capture cola" supplement adorned with imagery of a hooded captive and references to kicking incidents. Although that specific item was removed from the website, Katelaris continues offering merchandise explicitly backing Roberts-Smith. The commercial tie-in unfolds as Roberts-Smith prepares to defend himself against five counts of war crime murder.

Key points

  • Roberts-Smith continues to establish commercial brand partnerships while categorically de…: Roberts-Smith continues to establish commercial brand partnerships while categorically denying criminal charges regarding the murder of unarmed Afghan civilians.
  • The promotional collaboration directly connects Roberts-Smith's gym wear label with an in…: The promotional collaboration directly connects Roberts-Smith's gym wear label with an influencer actively selling merchandise supporting the former soldier.
  • Prior civil court findings determined Roberts-Smith committed unlawful killings, mirrorin…: Prior civil court findings determined Roberts-Smith committed unlawful killings, mirroring controversial themes formerly used to promote the partner company's supplements.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Ben Roberts-Smith has collaborated with a gym supplements company run by a right-wing influencer which recently sold a pre-workout product called “war crimes”.

Roberts-Smith, one of Australia’s most decorated living soldiers who is currently awaiting trial on war crimes charges, has recently launched an apparel brand, Epic 1 Two, producing t-shirts and gym wear.

In October, he also appeared in a social media video collaboration between his brand and Zero Limits supplements, co-owned by right-wing podcaster and fitness coach Chris Katelaris, also known as “Big Chocky”.

Roberts-Smith, Katelaris and others were filmed during a gym workout, with on-screen graphics reading “Zero Limits Supplements x Epic 1 Two”. Both brands were labelled “collaborators” on the video, which is also published on the Instagram grids of both brands.

Months earlier, Zero Limits had repeatedly posted online about a product titled “war crimes”, an energy supplement in the flavour “kill or capture cola”. Its label depicted a hooded captive on a chair in a room with an Australian flag on the wall, and a tall figure wearing a balaclava and military-style clothing.

In…

Other