Ben Roberts-Smith: podcast appearances and interviews

Benjamin Roberts-Smith, born on 1 November 1978, is a former Australian soldier who served in the Special Air Service Regiment. He is recognized as one of Australia's most highly decorated soldiers, receiving the Medal for Gallantry in 2006, the Victoria Cross for Australia in 2011, and a Commendation for Distinguished Service in 2012. The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in battle that can be awarded to a member of the Australian Defence Force. Roberts-Smith was widely regarded as a national hero; however, his reputation was significantly affected after a 2023 Federal Court ruling found sufficient evidence to establish that he had murdered four unarmed Afghans and violated military engagement rules. Following his military service, he was named Australian Father of the Year and awarded a scholarship to study business at the University of Queensland. He held executive positions at Seven Queensland and Seven Brisbane, appointed by media executive Kerry Stokes, and stepped down from those roles in 2021 to pursue legal proceedings against Nine Entertainment related to defamation. His conduct in Afghanistan came under scrutiny in 2017 amid reports of unlawful killings and bullying. Roberts-Smith initiated defamation proceedings in 2018, but in June 2023, a judge dismissed his case, describing his actions as disgraceful. Subsequent appeals were dismissed in 2025. On 7 April 2026, Roberts-Smith was arrested and charged with five counts of the war crime of murder; he was released on bail shortly afterward.