Ben Roberts-Smith, one of Australia's most decorated living soldiers and currently awaiting trial on war crimes charges, has collaborated with a supplements company that previously sold a pre-workout product called 'war crimes'. The company, Zero Limits supplements, is co-owned by rightwing podcaster and fitness coach Chris Katelaris, also known as 'Big Chocky'.
In October, Roberts-Smith’s apparel brand Epic 1 Two appeared in a social media video with Zero Limits supplements, featuring Roberts-Smith, Katelaris and others working out. On-screen graphics labelled both brands as collaborators, and the video was posted on both brands’ Instagram grids.
Months earlier, Zero Limits had repeatedly posted online about a pre-workout supplement called 'war crimes' in the flavour 'kill or capture cola'.
Zero Limits, which says it is 'veteran owned and operated', does not currently list the product on its website. Roberts-Smith is not shown endorsing or referencing that particular product. He has, however, praised another Zero Limits product in an Instagram story, giving the brand a 'massive shout out' and sharing a link to its website. He also appeared on the Zero Limits podcast last week.
Roberts-Smith was arrested in April and charged with five counts of the war crime of murder relating to alleged incidents in Afghanistan in 2009 and 2012. He has denied the allegations, stating: 'I categorically deny all of these allegations … I will be taking this opportunity to finally clear my name. I'm proud of my service in Afghanistan.'
When contacted, Zero Limits responded via a lawyer: 'The products are great, make sure you check them out.' Katelaris, via the same lawyer, said: 'If you thought this was wild, wait until next week's campaign drops.' Katelaris also promotes 'I stand with BRS' merchandise under his own name.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The collaboration connects a decorated soldier facing war crime allegations to a brand that used 'war crimes' as a product name, raising questions about the marketing of such themes.
- It highlights ongoing public figures who support Roberts-Smith despite the serious charges and civil findings against him.
- The case continues to draw attention to Australia's military conduct in Afghanistan and the legal aftermath.
Background
Ben Roberts-Smith served in the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) and received the Victoria Cross. In 2023, the Federal Court found, on the balance of probabilities, that he murdered unarmed Afghan civilians. He faces criminal war crimes charges and denies all allegations. Zero Limits supplements, co-owned by Chris Katelaris, markets itself as veteran-owned.
Key Perspectives
Ben Roberts-Smith: Has denied all war crime allegations and said he will clear his name. He has not publicly commented on the 'war crimes' product. His brand collaborated with Zero Limits, and he has praised other Zero Limits products.
Zero Limits supplements (via lawyer): Said only 'The products are great, make sure you check them out.'
Chris Katelaris (via lawyer): Said 'If you thought this was wild, wait until next week's campaign drops.'
What to Watch
- Whether Roberts-Smith's ongoing trial leads to any further public distancing or endorsements.
- Any new 'campaign drops' from Katelaris or Zero Limits that may further court controversy.
- Potential legal or regulatory action over the 'war crimes' product branding.