Great Northern has suspended its relationship with ambassador Matt Wright

Great Northern has weighed in on its future with Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright following his appearance in court in relation to a fatal helicopter crash. Read what it means for the brand.

Great Northern has suspended its partnership with Outback Wrangler Matt Wright after he was charged with serious criminal offences over a chopper crash that killed his best mate.

Wright had appeared in commercials for the popular beer for more than four years, often alongside his friend and co-star Chris “Willow” Wilson, who was killed in the crash on February 28.

On Tuesday Wright was charged with seven offences over issues relating to the crash including attempting to pervert the course of justice, destruction of evidence, fabrication of evidence, unlawful entry and interfering with witnesses.

Great Northern had at first said it would not comment on the matter as it was before the courts.

Great Northern will pause its relationship with Outback Wrangler Matt Wright. Picture: Che Chorley

But in a statement sent to Sky News on Wednesday, the company said it was now halting its relationship with Wright.

“Great Northern is pausing its relationship with Matt, pending the outcome of NT legal proceedings,” a Great Northern spokesman said.

It’s understood Wright will not appear in any more commercials or promotions for the company until his charges have been finalised.

Wright appeared briefly in the Darwin Local Court on Wednesday where his bail was extended ahead of preliminary examination on January 25 next year.

Outside the court his lawyer, David Newey, said Wright would vigorously defend the charges laid against him.

“He is naturally disappointed that the charges have been laid as a result of what was a tragic accident that took the life of Matt’s closest friend Chris Wilson,” Mr Newey said.

“Regulatory investigations have found no defect in the helicopter engine.

“The aircraft was flown following an inspection by independent aviation experts a few weeks before (they) cleared the helicopter to fly.

“Matt requests that the media respect his privacy and that of Chris Wilson and his family and the privacy of his wife who has recently given birth to his daughter only a few weeks ago.”

Wright is also a Tourism Australia ambassador.

Tourism Australia said it would not comment on his role while it is before the courts.

Tourism Australia monitoring Outback Wrangler situation

Tourism Australia says it is monitoring the situation after a warrant was issued for the arrest of its ambassador, Outback Wrangler Matt Wright.

Mr Wright, 43, has been told to hand himself in to police in Darwin by 9am on Wednesday where he is expected to be charged with offences including perverting the course of justice, destruction of evidence, fabricating evidence, interfering with witnesses and unlawful entry.

The expected charges relate to his alleged actions before and after a helicopter crash on February 28 that killed his best mate and Outback Wrangler co-star Chris “Willow” Wilson.

Mr Wright has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and says he will vigorously defend himself against the charges.

Matt Wright arrives in Darwin flanked by security to present himself to NT Police to face charges relating to the fatal accident that killed his friend and co-star Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson in February 2022. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mr Wright is a Tourism Australia ambassador who is regularly used by the organisation to promote the Australian tourism industry overseas.

Last month he attended the “Come and say G’day” event in New York where he spruiked his new Netflix series Wild Croc Territory.

In response to questions about the warrant for Wright’s arrest, a Tourism Australia spokesperson said: Tourism Australia is aware of today’s reports regarding Matt Wright, which relate to an ongoing police investigation.

Matt Wright arrives in Darwin flanked by security. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“Tourism Australia will monitor any legal proceedings that follow.”

Mr Wright has also been used in promotional work for NT Tourism but the government organisation said he was not an NT Tourism ambassador.

“His tourism products (heli-fishing and airboat adventures) and accommodation options (Tiwi Island Retreat) are promoted in the same manner as all other NT tourism products, such as featuring on our consumer website northernterritory.com, which all accredited tourism products in the NT have profiles on.

“While this is part of an ongoing police investigation no further comments can be made.”

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Originally published as Great Northern has suspended its relationship with ambassador Matt Wright