Ben Roberts-Smith Collaborates with Supplement Brand Linked to ‘War Crimes’ Product

Ben Roberts-Smith, one of Australia’s most decorated living soldiers, has entered into a professional collaboration with a gym supplement company that previously marketed a controversial pre-workout product titled “war crimes.” The former soldier, who is currently awaiting trial on war crimes charges, has recently launched his own apparel brand, Epic 1 Two, which produces gym wear and t-shirts. The partnership with Zero Limits supplements has drawn attention due to the company's past promotional activities.

In October, a social media video showcased a workout session featuring Roberts-Smith and Zero Limits co-owner Chris Katelaris, also known as “Big Chocky.” The video, shared on the Instagram grids of both brands, featured on-screen graphics identifying them as collaborators. While Roberts-Smith has not been seen using or endorsing the specific “war crimes” energy drink, he has publicly promoted other products from the Zero Limits range, including a pre-workout beverage, and appeared on the company's podcast.

The context of Ben Roberts-Smith war crimes allegations

Months before the collaboration, Zero Limits had promoted an energy supplement called “war crimes” in a flavour dubbed “kill or capture cola.” The product label displayed a figure in military clothing standing over a hooded captive in a room decorated with an Australian flag. In a July video, Katelaris promoted the product while holding a tub, making references to executing workouts and using a prosthetic leg as a drinking vessel. Zero Limits currently does not list the item on its website.

Roberts-Smith was arrested in April and charged with five counts of murder related to his service in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He has categorically denied the allegations, stating he is proud of his military service and intends to clear his name. Previously, a federal court defamation ruling found, to the civil standard of the balance of probabilities, that he murdered unarmed civilians while serving in the SAS, including an incident involving a prosthetic leg used by soldiers as a drinking vessel. When contacted for comment, Zero Limits and Katelaris did not address specific questions, with their lawyer stating that the products are great and suggesting followers wait for upcoming campaigns.

Ben Roberts-Smith has partnered with a supplements brand that previously sold a product titled war crimes.

Why it matters

The collaboration highlights the intersection of extreme fitness branding and the ongoing public discourse surrounding the conduct of Australian special forces in Afghanistan. It affects the reputation of the brands involved and underscores the polarising nature of the allegations facing the former soldier as he prepares for his criminal trial.