Full Breakdown
Ben Roberts-Smith Launches EPIC 1 TWO Brand Amid War-Crimes Trial
By Drooid · · How we work
Launch of a Personal Brand
On October 16, 2026, former SAS corporal Ben Roberts-Smith introduced a commercial venture called EPIC 1 TWO via an Instagram video. The professionally produced clip shows him weight-lifting and walking on a Gold Coast beach, set to audio excerpts about his military record. The caption includes the hashtag #underdog. The brand will sell clothing and other merchandise, with proceeds earmarked for his family’s living costs and for funding his legal defence.
Legal Context
Roberts-Smith faces five counts of murder or aiding murder stemming from incidents in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. Court documents detail two alleged killings at the village of Kakarak on 12 April 2009, where a father and son, Mohammad Essa and Ahmadullah, were reportedly shot after being found in a tunnel. A third charge concerns an alleged order to kill farmer Ali Jan on 11 September 2012 during a search for a rogue Afghan soldier. Two additional charges allege participation in the killing of two prisoners in the village of Syahchow in October 2012. He denies all allegations and maintains that he acted within the rules of engagement.
Background and Military Reputation
Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross for actions during the Battle of Tizak on 11 June 2010, where his six-man SAS team, codenamed Epic 1, engaged a larger Taliban force. The operation resulted in the award of the Victoria Cross to Roberts-Smith, a Star of Gallantry to his sergeant, and a Medal of Gallantry to another soldier. His radio call sign on that mission, “Epic 1 Two,” forms the basis of the new brand name.
Official Statements & Responses
A statement from his lawyer described the brand as representing “underdogs” and people facing hardships, emphasizing that proceeds would support his family and defence costs. A court-ordered bail variation allowed him to travel to Canberra to attend the opening of the ANZAC Hall at the Australian War Memorial, where he posed for photos with veterans.
Political and Public Reaction
The launch has drawn commentary from right-wing figures such as One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who has publicly supported Roberts-Smith and attended a “Justice for Ben” barbecue. Former chief adviser to former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Peta Credlin, responded to the Instagram post with a “Finally” comment and a bicep emoji. Several former SAS members, including Andy White, Scott Jones, and Dean Burgess, expressed support in the comments on the Instagram post.
Data & Statistics
A bail surety of $250,000 was posted by his father, former Western Australian Supreme Court judge Len Roberts-Smith. Within 14 hours of the Instagram launch, the post received approximately 20,900 likes. The business name EPIC 1 TWO was registered in August with RS Group Australia, listing Roberts-Smith’s partner Sarah Matulin as director.
What’s Next
Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The case remains in procedural hearings in the New South Wales Local Court, with a trial date not yet set. A two-hour interview with radio host Ben Fordham is scheduled to be broadcast in the coming weeks.