Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.pedestrian.tv
Content Warning: This article discusses alleged domestic violence.
Sam, who found love with his wife Snezana Wood on the third season of The Bachelor Australia in 2015, was arrested in Noosa on Saturday night after police were called to a Hastings Street property amid reports of a domestic violence situation. He was charged on Monday with assault occasioning bodily harm in a domestic violence context and strangulation in a domestic setting, and was refused bail.
Under Queensland law, the alleged victim cannot be identified.
Celebrities end their partnerships with 28 by Sam Wood
Jules posted a statement to her Instagram Story on Monday evening saying that, while she wouldn’t comment on a matter before the courts, she stands “firmly against domestic and family violence in all forms” and would no longer work with his fitness company, 28 by Sam Wood.
“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,” she wrote.
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“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. I hope all those involved are surrounded by the support, care and healing they need.”
Former Home and Away star Tammin Sursok also posted on her Instagram Story on Monday that she’s “paused” her partnership with the brand and has “zero tolerance for domestic and family violence”.
“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,” she said. “My thoughts are with anyone impacted by domestic and family violence.”
28 by Sam Wood coaches speak out
Meanwhile, former 28 by Sam Wood coaches have also spoken out, with high-profile trainer Tiffiny Hall posting on social media that she was “shocked and disturbed by the charges against Sam Wood reported in the media”.
“I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence, and for violence of any kind. It is unacceptable and entirely at odds with the standards, core values and culture I wish to cultivate,” she said.
“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.”
Nutrition and fitness coach Tania Monk also said she was “shocked and deeply saddened by what has unfolded”, and had stopped working for the company.
“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,” she wrote.
“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.”
Ready-made meal business Foxes Den has also confirmed it has ended its partnership with 28 by Sam Wood, “effective immediately”.
“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,” the statement read. “We stand firmly against domestic and family violence in all its forms.”
28 by Sam Wood officially severs ties with the Bachelor star
DBG Health, which is the parent company of 28 by Sam Wood, announced on Tuesday afternoon that it had “ended its commercial arrangements with Sam Wood, effective immediately”.
“Yesterday DBG Health announced Mr Wood had been placed on indefinite leave,” the statement said. “As a result of further considerations, DBG Health has now terminated all arrangements.”
The company will continue under the leadership of Mark Watkin, the acting chief executive of 28 Group, “supported by a broader group of experienced and respected health and wellness experts including trainers and employees”.
“DBG Health does not tolerate domestic violence in any forms, and our thoughts are with people impacted by it,” the statement continued. “As the matter is before the court, DBG Health will make no further comment.”
Sam launched 28 by Sam Wood in 2016 after appearing on The Bachelor, and sold the business in 2022 to genomics company myDNA for a reported $71 million. The father of four stayed on as the brand’s public face after the sale, although he now no longer works for the company bearing his name.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).
