Exodus begins as fitness celebrities sever ties with charged health guru Sam Wood

Celebrities, fitness trainers and businesses have begun cutting ties with former Bachelor star Sam Wood as he remains behind bars on domestic violence charges.

Wood’s lawyer has indicated he will defend the charges.

High-profile trainer Tiffiny Hall, whose workout videos appear prominently on the 28 by Sam Wood social media pages, released a statement late on Monday saying she had “no ongoing role or involvement with the program”.

“I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence, and for violence of any kind,” said Hall, who is an advocate for self-defence and women’s safety. “It is unacceptable and entirely at odds with the standards, core values and culture I wish to cultivate.

“I am shocked and disturbed by the charges against Sam Wood reported in the media. As the matter is before the court, I will not comment on it.

“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 have no ongoing role or involvement with the program.

“My thoughts are with any victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, and with anyone distressed or triggered by these reports. I will continue to empower women to be safe, strong and supported in any way I can.”

Influencer, body positive entrepreneur and fellow reality TV contestant Jules Robinson also announced that she had ended her partnership with Wood’s fitness empire.

“Women are my absolute priority. Their safety, wellbeing and empowerment are at the heart of what I stand for,” Robinson, a former Married At First Sight participant who had been working with the 28 brand, posted on social media.

“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.

“In light of the circumstances, I have made the decision to end my partnership with 28 by Sam Wood. This is a decision I have made in line with my values and what I believe is right.

“My commitment to supporting, empowering and standing with women will always come first. My thoughts are with everyone affected during what is an incredibly difficult time.”

Ready-made meal business Foxes Den continued the exodus, confirming it was stepping away from its links with 28.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the charges involving Sam Wood,” the Foxes Den statement read.

“Effective immediately, Foxes Den has ended its partnership with 28 by Sam Wood.

“We’re aware of the serious charges that have been reported, and while this matter is before the courts, we’ve made the decision to step away from this partnership.

“We stand firmly against domestic and family violence in all its forms.”

One of the first to break ties was Tania Monk, known online as @fitafter40_faf, who was a trainer on the 28 platform.

Monk said she was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news about Wood.

“For many years, I have worked incredibly hard to build a reputation based on trust, integrity and advocating for women. That work means EVERYTHING to me,” she posted on Instagram.

“Whether you train with me, follow me here, have been part of my gyms, or trusted me to support you through the 28 menopause program, you are part of a community I am incredibly proud to have built.

“You have trusted me with your health, your stories, your struggles and your successes. I don’t take that trust lightly.

“My name, my reputation and what I stand for are my own. And I have a responsibility to protect them.

“For that reason, I will not continue professionally under the 28 by Sam Wood brand or attach my name to a program that remains associated with Sam.

“This is not a statement about guilt or innocence. That is for the courts. This is about my values and where I draw my own professional line.”

Former Home and Away actor Tammin Sursok said she was also “pausing” her partnership with the 28 platform, saying she had “zero tolerance for domestic and family violence”.

Wood, 46, remains in custody in Queensland after being charged on Sunday with assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and strangulation in a domestic setting.

Defence lawyer Mathew Cuskelly said a bail application would be made on Thursday and that the charges would be fought.

Wood made his fortune off the 28 fitness platform, targeting women with accessible workout and meal plans to fit around their busy schedules.

His wife, Snezana Wood, whom he met on the reality show, was often by his side touting the business and how it had transformed her own fitness journey.

The entrepreneur sold the company in 2022 to myDNA – a genomics group backed by Melbourne-based businessman and healthcare entrepreneur Dennis Bastas – for $71 million, but Wood stayed on as the brand’s public face.

On Monday, a spokesperson for the business’ parent company announced Wood had been indefinitely stood down.

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