UPDATE: Reality star Matt Wright is currently on trial in the Northern Territory Supreme Court, facing serious allegations related to a helicopter crash that tragically killed his close friend and fellow Netflix star, Chris “Willow” Wilson. The trial, which began recently, has unveiled shocking claims about Wright’s actions following the February 28, 2022 crash, which occurred during a perilous crocodile egg-collecting mission in Arnhem Land.
The jury has heard accusations suggesting a “nefarious” effort by Wright to obstruct justice. Testimonies revealed that he allegedly attempted to seize critical evidence, including the pilot’s diary and logbook, while the sole survivor, Sebastian Robinson, was hospitalized. Prosecutors assert that Wright offered $10,000 to the pilot’s family to assist with medical bills and manipulated flight records to cover up the true circumstances of the crash.
Wright, aged 45, faces three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The court learned that he failed to accurately document flight times for the Robinson-R-44 helicopter involved in the incident, which prosecutors argue was unsafe to fly due to maintenance issues. Wright was not on the helicopter during the mission due to his stance against Covid vaccinations, which prevented him from entering remote areas.
In dramatic courtroom proceedings, the jury was presented with testimony from Robinson’s brother, who recounted an encounter with Tim Johnston, a friend of Wright’s, in the hospital. Johnston allegedly pressured the brother to hand over the pilot’s diary, claiming, “Matty sent me to grab it.” The brother expressed feeling coerced into complying, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding these events.
On social media, Wright has been active, posting updates about his reality show, Outback Wrangler, amidst the trial. Despite the gravity of the allegations, his posts include lighter family moments, contrasting sharply with the serious nature of the court proceedings.
Prosecution witness testimony indicated that Wright visited Robinson shortly after the crash, asking him to transfer flight hours from the crashed helicopter to his own. Additionally, Robinson’s mother confirmed that Wright approached them with a financial offer to assist with their expenses, which they declined. She stated, “We told him we didn’t want it,” underscoring the family’s rejection of his overtures.
The emotional toll of the incident has been profound. Robinson, now paraplegic, described the moment he learned of his spinal injury as “the hardest thing” he has ever faced. His testimony revealed the deep psychological impact of the crash, stating, “Learning that you’ve got a severed spinal cord… you can’t think, you can’t say, you know, you’re scared.”
As Wright’s trial progresses, his legal team continues to deny all charges against him. The courtroom has become a focal point for media attention, with reporters and cameras capturing every moment as Wright and his wife, Kaia, arrive and depart, often facing a barrage of questions he has chosen not to answer.
The jury is set to hear more evidence as the trial resumes on Monday. The outcome of this high-profile case could have significant implications for Wright, whose reality TV fame is now overshadowed by these serious legal issues.
