Outback Wrangler Matt Wright’s image has been removed from publicity for one of his sponsors, G-Shock watches, while the TV star faces criminal charges after a fatal helicopter crash.
Hoskings Jewellers removed a picture of Wright from promotional material for the sports watch brand at its Casuarina Square shopping centre in Darwin recently.
Neither the jeweller nor the brand’s parent company Casio has yet commented on the removal of Wright’s image.
The crocodile-catching star has been accused of interfering with a helicopter crash site after the accident that killed his best friend and co-star Chris Wilson last February and faces seven charges in relation to the incident.
Wright signed up with the watch sponsor in January last year, with footage of him being put out there promoting the watch as he feeds crocodiles in a remote area (pictured)
Wright signed up with the sports watch brand in January last year, promoted via footage of him wearing the watch as he feeds crocodiles in a remote area.
‘See guys I’ve always had a G-Shock, definitely lasted the test of time – just like these guys,’ Wright said in the video as he fed a nearby crocodile.
‘They’re reliable, durable and look good so to officially partner up with them is an honour,’ Wright said in a Facebook post at the time.
‘Anyone who has a G-Shock knows they’re a first class watch.’
Wright was charged over the crash in late November which was followed by a brief hearing at the Darwin Local Court, where he was given bail.
The charges included attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence, fabricating evidence, two counts of unlawful entry, making a false declaration and interfering with witnesses.
Wright is one of three people charged over the accident with Neil Mellon, a former police officer, and bush pilot Michael Burbidge facing various offences.
Wright admitted the whole ordeal had taken a toll on him and his family as he was hit with the charges around the same time he welcomed his second child, Dusty (pictured, Wright with his wife Kaia Wright)
‘They’re reliable, durable and look good so to officially partner up with them is an honour,’ Matt Wright (pictured in the ad for G-Shock watches) said in a Facebook post at the time the sponsorship was announced
The case was adjourned until January 25 next year.
Wright has ‘strenuously’ denied the charges, breaking his silence over the matter earlier this month.
‘I would never put my team or my family in danger,’ he told News Corp.
‘I look forward to clearing my name and returning to doing what I love best, ensuring people get to experience and understand the true and special nature of crocodiles and the Northern Territory.’
Wright admitted the whole ordeal had taken a toll on him and his family as he was hit with the charges around the same time he welcomed his second child Dusty.
Hoskings Jewellers (pictured, watches for sale in its NT store) removed a picture of Wright from promotional material at its Casuarina Square shopping centre in Darwin recently
‘Obviously, though, it’s hardest on [Chris] Willow’s family,’ Wright said.
‘The worst part of all of this is losing Willow [Wilson].’
Mr Wilson was collecting crocodile eggs in a remote area of west Arnhem Land when the Robinson R44 helicopter he was hanging 30 metres below from collided with trees and the ground in west Arnhem Land.
Pilot Sebastian Robinson was seriously injured in the crash and is still recovering from spinal injuries.
A second chopper carrying three men, including Wright, immediately flew to the scene after the first helicopter crashed and killed Wilson.
It’s alleged the trio interfered with evidence at the crash site in an attempt to pervert the course of justice – an allegation Wright denies.
Wright also revealed he had been travelling in the helicopter with his family just days before the crash.
Mr Wilson was collecting crocodile eggs in a remote area of west Arnhem Land when the Robinson R44 helicopter he was hanging 30 metres below collided with trees and the ground in west Arnhem Land
Wright’s picture on a G-Shock watch ad was removed from Hoskings Jewellers shop (pictured, a G-Shock watch on the market)
He claimed safety was his highest priority and that he would never have flown in the helicopter with his wife and child if he believed the helicopter was unsafe.
Wright was dealt another major blow this month when he lost his first corporate sponsor Great Northern beer as a result of the charges.
He had appeared in several commercials for Great Northern in the last six years, often alongside his late mate and co-star Wilson.
He is also an ambassador for the Friends of Australia program at Tourism Australia, which would not comment on Wright, according to the NT News.
But it is understood the star has no contractual agreements with Tourism Australia and there are no plans ahead with Wright taking part in the program.
The former Australian Army soldier became well known via his adventure shows National Geographic’s Outback Wrangler and Netflix’s hit show Wild Croc Territory (pictured, Wright with this family)
Wright (pictured, in a media scrum) was dealt another major blow this month when he lost his first corporate sponsor Great Northern beer as a result of the charges
The former Australian Army soldier became well known via his adventure shows National Geographic’s Outback Wrangler and Netflix’s hit show Wild Croc Territory.
The Wild Croc Territory show is still broadcast despite objections from Mr Wilson’s widow Danielle who wants it off the air.
In the episodes Wright flies a helicopter into hard-to-reach areas to capture and transport dangerous animals, like crocodiles, so they avoid coming into contact with people.