Ben Roberts-Smith, once celebrated as one of Australia’s most decorated soldiers, has remained in the public spotlight not only for his military career and legal battles but also for his complex personal life. A major part of that attention has centered around his relationships—especially questions about his girlfriend.
The answer is not simple. Over the years, Roberts-Smith has been linked to more than one woman, including a controversial affair and a later public relationship. Here’s a clear, updated look at his girlfriend history and current status in 2026.
Does Ben Roberts-Smith Have a Girlfriend in 2026?
As of 2026, there is no confirmed public information that Ben Roberts-Smith currently has a girlfriend.
His personal life has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, especially following major legal developments and ongoing controversies. There have been no verified reports of a current relationship or partner.
The Most Notable Relationship: “Person 17”
One of the most widely discussed relationships in Roberts-Smith’s life is the affair with a woman known in court as “Person 17.”
This relationship became public during his high-profile defamation trial. According to court evidence, the two were involved in a secret relationship between 2017 and 2018, while both were still married to other people.
The existence of this affair was a turning point in his personal life. It played a major role in the breakdown of his marriage and later became a central topic in court proceedings.
Why Her Identity Is Hidden
The woman’s identity has never been publicly revealed due to legal protections. Instead, she has consistently been referred to as “Person 17” in media and court documents.
Despite the anonymity, significant details about the relationship emerged during testimony.
Allegations and Court Testimony
During court hearings, “Person 17” made serious allegations, including claims that Roberts-Smith:
- Physically assaulted her
- Made threats
- Attempted to control the narrative around their relationship
She told the court she was “in love with him and afraid of him,” highlighting the complicated nature of the relationship.
Roberts-Smith has denied these allegations, and the matter became part of broader legal disputes rather than a standalone case.
Impact on His Marriage
The affair with “Person 17” directly led to the collapse of his marriage to Emma Groom.
In 2018, the situation became public when the woman reportedly visited the family home and revealed details of the relationship.
This confrontation marked a turning point, eventually leading to divorce, which was finalized in 2020.
Later Relationship: Sarah Matulin
After his separation, Roberts-Smith was linked to another woman—Sarah Matulin.
The two were seen publicly together, including attending events and being photographed in Sydney.
Reports from 2021 described her as his new girlfriend, and their relationship appeared more open compared to the earlier affair.
However, unlike high-profile celebrity couples, their relationship did not remain in the public eye for long. There have been no recent confirmed updates suggesting that they are still together in 2026.
Why His Relationships Attract Attention
Roberts-Smith’s personal life has drawn intense interest for several reasons:
1. Public Profile
As a Victoria Cross recipient, he was once viewed as a national hero, making every aspect of his life subject to public scrutiny.
2. Legal Cases
His defamation trial and subsequent legal issues exposed private details, including relationships and personal conflicts.
3. Media Coverage
His relationships were discussed extensively in court, leading to widespread reporting.
4. Overlap of Personal and Legal Issues
Unlike typical celebrity gossip, his relationships became part of serious legal proceedings, increasing public interest.
Relationship Timeline Overview
To better understand his personal life, here is a simplified timeline:
- 2003–2020: Married to Emma Groom
- 2017–2018: Affair with “Person 17”
- 2021: Linked to Sarah Matulin
- 2026: No confirmed girlfriend
This timeline highlights how his relationships have evolved and why there is ongoing curiosity.
Current Focus in 2026
In 2026, Roberts-Smith’s life is dominated more by legal matters than relationships.
He was arrested and charged with serious allegations related to war crimes, bringing renewed global attention to his case.
As a result, public discussion has shifted away from his personal relationships and toward ongoing legal developments.
Final Answer
To clearly answer the question:
- Ben Roberts-Smith does not have a confirmed girlfriend in 2026
- His most notable past relationship was with a woman known as “Person 17”
- He was later linked to Sarah Matulin, but there is no recent confirmation of that relationship
- His personal life remains largely private and overshadowed by legal issues
Ben Roberts-Smith’s relationship history is complex and closely tied to major events in his life. From a secret affair that contributed to the breakdown of his marriage to a later public relationship, his romantic life has often been part of broader headlines.