Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright’s Ariat partnership paused

A clothing brand is the latest company to halt its partnership with Territory TV star Matt Wright. Read the growing list of brands distancing themselves from him here.

Companies continue to distance themselves from TV star Matt Wright after he was charged with several offences related to a chopper crash that killed his best mate. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Clothing brand Ariat Australia has confirmed it has distanced itself from embattled Territory celebrity Matt Wright.

It comes after the NT News reported last week the brand had removed a video shared on its Ariat Australia’s Facebook page in April promoting Wright’s TV series Matt Wright’s Wild Territory.

The 43-year-old Outback Wrangler star has partnered with the clothing brand since October last year.

It comes after Wright was charged in relation to the chopper crash that killed his best mate and fellow TV star Chris “Willow” Wilson in February this year.

The company told the NT News it had “paused its partnership with Matt Wright while investigations continue”.

It comes after weeks of silence from the brand, which had previously declined to comment on the status of its relationship with Wright.

Wright announced the partnership on social media last year.

“Stoked to announce I’ve partnered up with the team @ariataus,” he wrote.

“Been wearing Ariat work boots forever and now their Rebar work gear.”

The brand had spruiked its relationship with Wright, posting a trailer for TV series Matt Wright’s Wild Territory to its Facebook page in April.

However, the post has since been removed.

Wilson was killed on a crocodile egg collecting mission in February when the chopper he was dangling from crashed near the King River in West Arnhem Land.

Pilot Sebastian Robinson was seriously injured in the crash.

Ariat Australia has removed a trailer for Matt Wright's TV show from its Facebook page. Picture: Instagram

It comes after Wright’s image was removed from promotional material at a Darwin jeweller.

His image was removed from a poster promoting G-Shock watches at Hoskings Jewellers at Casuarina Square shopping centre.

Wright was signed on as a G-Shock ambassador in January last year.

On December 1, Great Northern beer announced it would be pausing its relationship with Wright, pending the outcome of legal proceedings against him.

Tourism Australia said earlier this month it would monitor legal proceedings against Wright, who is an ambassador.

On November 29, Wright was charged with seven offences related to the chopper crash that killed his best mate and fellow Outback Wrangler cast member Chris “Willow” Wilson in February.

Chris “Willow” Wilson was killed in a chopper crash in Arnhem Land in February. Picture: Supplied

He was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence and fabricating evidence in relation to the fatal chopper crash.

He was also charged with unlawfully entering a building, unlawfully entering a dwelling, making a false declaration and threats/reprisals – interfere with witnesses involved in a criminal investigation or court process.

Wright was granted bail on strict conditions, which include orders to not contact or approach 50 people.

The list includes fellow TV crew members, pilots, major Top End business identities and grieving family members.

A spokesman for Wright told Sky News last month Wright “strenuously denies any wrongdoing”.

“What happened was a tragic accident that took the life of a close mate,” the spokesman said.

“His immediate concern following the accident was the condition of the two team members on board at the time.

“The next priority was ensuring the other helicopters and team members at the site weren’t at risk and that the location was safe.

“Matt will not be making any further statement but he will be vigorously defending the charges.”

Wright’s case will return to court on January 25.