Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Stripped from the helm of his multimillion-dollar fitness and nutrition empire within days of being hit with serious domestic violence charges, Bachelor star Sam Wood will on Thursday fight to be released on bail.
Mr Wood was taken into custody on Saturday night after an alleged incident at a property on Hastings St, Noosa on Queensland’s idyllic Sunshine Coast.
He was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and strangulation in a domestic setting and refused police bail.
After five nights behind bars in a holding cell, the 46-year-old is expected to make a bail application in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon.
His lawyer Mathew Cuskelly previously advised Mr Wood would fight the charges.
Mr Wood’s father Andrew arrived at court about 1pm local time, alongside Mr Cuskelly and barrister David Cole.
The identity of the alleged victim has not been revealed in open court.
Strangulation under the circumstances carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ jail under Queensland law.
Fitness world cuts ties with Sam Wood
Mr Wood shot to fame after appearing on the 2015 season of The Bachelor Australia where he met his now wife Snezana Wood, previously Markoski.
Shortly after appearing on the show, Mr Wood launched his fitness empire, known as 28 by Sam Wood. He sold the company to myDNA Inc, under the umbrella of DBG Health, for $71m in 2022.
The Aussie star remained the brand’s public face until this week, when he was stood down and ultimately axed by DBG Health in the wake of the allegations.
“Yesterday, DBG Health announced Mr Wood had been placed on indefinite leave,” a statement released on Tuesday read.
“As a result of further considerations, DBG Health has now terminated all arrangements.
“28 will continue its great work under the leadership of Mark Watkin, supported by a broader group of experienced and respected health and wellness experts including trainers and employees.”
Several celebrities and influencers who once worked closely with Mr Wood have since distanced themselves from him.
Fellow Bachelor Australia star Matt Agnew, former Biggest Loser trainer Tiffiny Hall, actor Tammin Sursok and Married At First Sight star Jules Robinson have all made statements in the wake of Mr Wood’s arrest.
Their statements did not directly comment on the matters currently before the court, but condemned domestic violence in the wider community.
Dr Agnew released a statement on his Instagram on Wednesday.
“I know Sam Wood,” it read.
“That does not soften where I stand.
“Domestic violence is abhorrent. I condemn it absolutely and unequivocally.
“Knowing someone is not a reason to look away. It is not a reason to stay quiet.
“If anything, it creates a greater responsibility to speak clearly. And on this, there is no ambiguity.
“The charges against him, particularly the allegation of strangulation, are extraordinarily serious. The behaviour alleged is abhorrent.”
Personal trainer Ms Hall, who previously spoke about her strong friendship with Mr Wood, also shared her strong stance against domestic violence.
“I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence, and for violence of any kind,” Ms Hall’s statement read.
“It is unacceptable and entirely at odds with the standards, core values and culture I wish to cultivate.
“Before this news, my time with 28 by Sam Wood had already come to an end and I had moved on to focus on other projects.
“I will continue to empower women to be safe, strong and supported in any way I can.”
Ms Sursok, who appeared in fitness videos with Mr Wood and interviewed him for her podcast The Sh*t Show, advised she had “immediately paused my partnership with 28 by Sam Wood”.
“I want to be clear that I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence. It’s an issue I care deeply about, and one that I will always stand firmly against,” she said in a statement.
“My thoughts are with anyone impacted by domestic and family violence.”
Ms Robinson also notified her followers she was discontinuing her partnership with Mr Wood following news of his charges.
“Women are my absolute priority. Their safety, wellbeing and empowerment are at the heart of what I stand for,” her statement read.
“I’m very conscious of who I choose to align myself with, both personally and professionally. My values never falter, regardless of the person or partnership.
“While I won’t comment on a matter before the courts, I stand firmly against domestic and family violence in all forms.”
Wood family’s statement
Mr and Mrs Wood both shared a statement titled “Statement from the Wood Family” on their social media on Monday regarding the court matters.
“This is a difficult time for all of us, we are working through this as a family and are thoroughly co-operating with the authorities,” it read.
The pair married in 2018 in a wedding attended by Ms Wood’s daughter Eve, 21, from a previous relationship.
The couple moved in their new $7m Brighton home in Melbourne at the start of this year.
While he has been dropped by his fitness empire, Mr Wood also owns The Woodshed – a 1000sq m gym in Brighton East in Melbourne.
He also became part of Ollo – a telehealth business focused on health for middle-aged women – earlier this year.
The business was formed in a partnership with 28 by Sam Wood and medical practitioner network Medmate.
The official social media accounts for Ollo For Women appear to have been deactivated.
