NEED TO KNOW
- Former Bachelor star Sam Wood has been charged with alleged domestic violence offences.
- In a joint statement with his wife, Snezana, Wood said it had been a difficult time for all of us, we are working through this as a family and are thoroughly cooperating with the authorities”.
- Wood is on “indefinite leave” from his duty at his fitness company 28 By Sam Wood following the allegations.
- Actress Tammin Sursok and MAFS star Jules Robinson, who are 28 by Sam Wood brand ambassadors, also uploaded statements on Instagram saying they were no longer working with the company.
- Sam Wood appeared via video link on October 8 and was denied bail.
- Wood is expected to appear in the Supreme Court after escalating his bail plea.
Former The Bachelor star turned fitness influencer Sam Wood has been charged with alleged domestic violence offences.
According to the Courier Mail, Queensland Police charged a 46-year-old Victorian man with assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and strangulation in a domestic setting following a call out to a Noosa address on Saturday night around 9pm.
In a hearing at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on October 8, Wood’s lawyer Mathew Cuskelly said his client denied the charges against him, while the court was told by the police that the alleged victim supported criminal charges being brought against Wood.
The court heard that Wood had been engaged in a family argument, where a 000 call was made by an adult family member after the alleged victim was allegedly choked.
Police prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris told the court the alleged victim was in fear of her safety, saying, “She articulates the banging of her head on the floor. She couldn’t breathe.”
Mathew Cuskelly argued for bail and said Wood denied the allegations, before stating Wood was suffering from “severe depression”.
“He ought to be given the opportunity to engage with mental health professionals,” Cuskelly said.
After escalating the matter to the Supreme Court, Wood is set to apply for bail again in early November.
28 Group and 28 ambassadors speak out over Sam Wood allegations
Earlier in the week when news broke of the charges, the Wood family released a joint statement.
“This is a difficult time for all of us, we are working through this as a family and are thoroughly cooperating with the authorities,” the statement read.
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The acting Chief Executive of 28 Group — the parent company behind Wood’s former business 28 by Sam Wood — issued a statement about the charges, later terminating Wood’s contract.
“Yesterday, DGB Health announced Mr Wood has been placed on indefinite leave. As a result of further considerations, DGB Health has now terminated all arrangements,” the fitness empire said.
Actress Tammin Sursok, who is a 28 by Sam Wood brand ambassador, has also uploaded a statement on Instagram saying she has “paused” her partnership with the company.
“I’m aware of the serious charges reported in the media involving Sam Wood,” she wrote.
“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.
“In light of the reports, I have immediately paused my partnership with 28 by Sam Wood and removed related promotional content from my social channels while this matter is before the courts.
My thoughts are with anyone impacted by domestic and family violence.”
Other Aussie celebrities affiliated with 28 by Sam Wood also uploaded statements after the news broke, including Tiff Hall and Jules Robinson.
“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,” Jules wrote in a statement posted to her Instagram Stories.
“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.”
Tiff Hall confirmed her time working with the 28 brand had come to an end before Sam Wood’s arrest and said she was “shocked and disturbed” by the news.
“I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence, and for violence of any kind,” she said.
Wood first entered the public eye in 2015 after appearing on The Bachelor, where he met his wife, Snezana Marokoski.
In 2016, Wood launched his online fitness app 28 by Sam Wood, which he sold for a reported $71 million AUD in 2022. He currently has more than 250,000 Instagram followers.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
