Ben Roberts-Smith, a beleaguered war hero, has publicly opened his new relationship with his former employee, Sarah Matulin.
On Saturday, the 42-year-old cut a fine figure by gently holding hands with the television executive, 28, during Magic Millions Race Day on the Gold Coast.
Ms Matulin was, until recently, an employee of Channel Seven – but Daily Mail Australia understands that she recently decided to step down from her role with the network to avoid any conflict in the workplace so their romance can continue.
Ben Roberts-Smith, a beleaguered war hero, began his new relationship with his marketing girlfriend on Magic Millions Race Day
At the event, delighted Ms. Matulin looked sophisticated and gorgeous in a floral one-shoulder mini dress, which showcased her slender figure and toned arms.
She paired her ensemble with a pearl headband and wore a touch of makeup to accentuate her striking features.
Meanwhile, Mr. Roberts-Smith looked suave in a gray suit, paired with a crisp white shirt and black tie.
At the event, Ms Matulin looked sophisticated in a floral one-shoulder mini dress, which showcased her slender figure and toned arms.
Mr Roberts-Smith is said to have brought Sarah back to Perth with him for Christmas, after forming a relationship after joining Channel Seven in mid-2020.
The Victoria Cross recipient is the managing director of the company’s Queensland office.
Daily Mail Australia understands that Mr Roberts-Smith’s bosses – including his close friend and Channel Seven CEO Kerry Stokes – were made aware of the fledgling relationship last year.
She paired her ensemble with a pearl headband and wore a touch of makeup to accentuate her striking features.
The TV executive finished off her look with a pair of strappy stiletto heels and carried a hot pink handbag alongside her, while Mr. Roberts-Smith looked suave in a gray suit paired with a shirt crisp white and a black tie.
Ms Matulin reportedly left Channel Seven in mid-December to return to a Brisbane-based PR firm.
Although based in Brisbane, Ms Matulin did not report to Mr Roberts-Smith, but rather to the company’s head office in Sydney.
Sources close to the couple say that over the past few months, they have been spending more and more time together.
He seemed in good spirits as he walked next to the blonde beauty, as the duo enjoyed their day at the races
Together they flew to Mr Roberts-Smith’s hometown of Perth in late December and it is understood Ms Matulin joined him at her parents’ house for Christmas.
Mr Roberts-Smith finalized his split from his wife Emma in recent days, just weeks after the couple sold their sprawling country mansion.
The four-bedroom house where they raised their two daughters sold for more than $ 2 million in a pre-auction deal in December.
Mr Roberts-Smith is said to have brought Sarah home to Perth with him for Christmas, after forming a relationship after joining Channel Seven in mid-2020.
Mr Roberts-Smith’s marriage had encountered many obstacles over the years, including allegations of a tumultuous affair with a married woman.
In documents filed in Federal Court, she accused the 2.2-meter soldier of assaulting her and leaving her with a black eye.
The court heard claims last year that Mr Roberts-Smith asked his wife to lie after finding out about the case.
Mr. Roberts-Smith strongly denies the affair and assault allegations.
One of Australia’s greatest modern war heroes, Mr. Roberts-Smith fights against the war crimes allegations made against him by Nine Newspapers. He denies all allegations about his tours in Afghanistan
Mr. Roberts-Smith, who is considered one of Australia’s greatest modern war heroes, is fighting war crimes allegations made against him by Nine Newspapers.
He denied any wrongdoing while in Afghanistan or Iraq.
Mr. Roberts-Smith has launched a libel action against Nine and is partially financially supported by Mr. Stokes.
Australian Capital Equity, Mr Stokes’ private equity firm, has reportedly granted a line of credit of $ 1.9 million to Mr Roberts-Smith.
Mr Roberts-Smith split from his wife Emma last year after a tumultuous relationship that included allegations he cheated
Daily Mail Australia understands that, as the relationship escalated, Mr Roberts-Smith made all necessary disclosures to his bosses, including his close friend and Channel Seven CEO Kerry Stokes (pictured) Mr. Stokes also financially supports the libel action of Mr. Roberts-Smith
The former soldier provided his Victoria Cross and other battlefield decorations, including a Medal of Bravery as security for the loan.
“Funding for his lawsuit is a private matter, but he has put his medals as collateral for a loan and will forfeit them if necessary,” Stokes said.
“ If that happens, I will donate his medals with Ben’s approval to the Australian War Memorial, as I have done with other VCs and medals in the past. ”
A report by the Australian Defense Inspector General released last year found credible information on alleged unlawful killings of 39 murders by special forces soldiers in Afghanistan, mostly by the SAS.
Mr Roberts-Smith has been linked to some of these alleged murders, but denies any wrongdoing.
Victoria Cross recipient Mr. Roberts-Smith and his ex-wife bought the property for $ 1.45 million in 2015, before making several extensions to the home, including adding a swimming pool and a poolhouse
Justice Paul Brereton has recommended that 36 cases involving 23 incidents and 19 people be referred to Australian Federal Police for criminal investigation.
Despite those who condemn him, Mr. Roberts-Smith has his powerful supporters not only in the form of Mr. Stokes, but also broadcast legend Alan Jones.
Mr Jones recently told Daily Mail Australia that he believes despite the allegations made against the war hero he would not be sentenced.
“We have a prominent VC who has been virtually persecuted,” Mr. Jones said.
“They will never find anything against him, Ben Roberts-Smith.
‘(It’s) appalling. But this question is before the court. I can’t say much more about it.
“Ben Roberts-Smith (is) an exceptional Australian. And Kerry Stokes, I know, has been very supportive of Ben Roberts-Smith and Kerry Stokes is also an exceptional Australian.
Both Mr. Roberts-Smith and Ms. Matulin have been contacted for comment.
Despite those who condemn him, Mr. Roberts-Smith has his powerful supporters not only in the form of Mr. Stokes but also broadcasting legend Alan Jones.
