Former Bachelor star and prominent fitness entrepreneur Sam Wood has been remanded in custody after being arrested and charged in Noosa, Queensland, with serious domestic violence offences. Police took the 46-year-old Victorian into custody following reports of an alleged domestic incident at a beachfront property on Hastings Street at approximately 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Wood appeared via video link from a police watch house during a mention at the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday morning. He was refused police bail ahead of a scheduled court appearance on Thursday afternoon, where his defense team intends to apply for bail and tender material relating to the case.
Charges Faced by the Fitness Influencer
Queensland Police charged the Melbourne resident with two specific domestic violence offences early Sunday morning:
- Assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence)
- Strangulation in a domestic setting
The identity of the alleged victim has not been made public due to legal protections surrounding domestic violence matters. Wood’s defense lawyer, Mathew Cuskelly, addressed media outside the courthouse, confirming that his client intends to vigorously defend the charges.
“He’s simply worried about his family,” Cuskelly told reporters outside the Maroochydore Magistrates Court. “A bail application will be heard on Thursday. The charges will be defended.”
Corporate Backlash and Immediate Business Fallout
Following news of the arrest, commercial partners and parent companies associated with Wood moved swiftly to distance themselves from the high-profile fitness personality.
Parent company 28 Group placed Wood on indefinite leave from all operational and promotional duties associated with the online enterprise 28 by Sam Wood, which he founded following his appearance on season three of The Bachelor in 2015. Although Wood sold the subscription-based business in 2022 for a reported $71 million to myDNA, he remained the face of the brand.
“We have all been shocked and saddened by the matters involving Sam Wood. We have zero tolerance for domestic violence. While the matter is under investigation and before the court, Sam is on indefinite leave from his duties,” said Mark Watkin, acting CEO of 28 Group.
DBG Health, the overarching parent entity, confirmed that Watkin would assume leadership of 28 Group in Wood’s absence. Commercial partners also began severing ties; ready-meal provider Foxes Den immediately terminated its active partnership with the brand, while start-up telehealth and medical weight-loss platform Ollo for Women-which Wood launched earlier this year for women aged 40 and over-deactivated its official social media channels and removed him from promotional operations.
Family Statement Issued
Sam Wood and his wife, Snezana Wood-whom he met on the reality TV program and married in 2018-released a joint statement across their personal social media accounts addressing the unfolding legal situation.
“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.
Wood remains held in police custody on remand. His legal representation is expected to present formal bail applications and supporting material during his upcoming court appearance scheduled for Thursday afternoon at Maroochydore Magistrates Court.
Support Services Available
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family, or s*xual violence, help is available:
- 1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au for 24/7 phone and online support.
- Men’s Referral Service: Call 1300 766 491 for anonymous counseling and support for men.
- Emergency Assistance: Always call Triple Zero (000) if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
