Personal trainer Sam Wood has been dropped by fitness company 28 after being charged with domestic violence offences following an arrest in Noosa, Queensland.
The 46-year-old former Bachelor star was arrested on Saturday night when Queensland Police responded to reports of alleged domestic violence at a property on Hastings Street in Noosa, a resort town on the Sunshine Coast. He was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in a domestic violence context and strangulation in a domestic setting, and remains in custody ahead of a court hearing on Thursday.
Wood's lawyer confirmed that he will defend the charges, but the legal proceedings have already triggered immediate repercussions for his commercial partnerships. DBG Health, the parent company of the fitness empire 28 by Sam Wood, stood the celebrity trainer down on Monday before terminating all commercial arrangements with him on Tuesday afternoon.
In a formal statement released on Tuesday, DBG Health announced that it had ended its commercial arrangements with Wood effective immediately. The company had initially placed him on indefinite leave on Monday before deciding to terminate all contracts after further consideration.
DBG Health added that the business will be renamed to 28 and will continue operating under the leadership of Mark Watkin, supported by its team of health experts and trainers. The company stated that it does not tolerate domestic violence in any form, offered thoughts to those impacted, and noted it would make no further comment while the matter is before the court.
Wood founded 28 by Sam Wood as a digital fitness and nutrition platform before selling the business to digital health company myDNA in 2022 for a reported $71.2 million, retaining a five per cent stake in the venture.
Industry backlash and loss of trust
Following the charges, multiple trainers, celebrities, and partner companies associated with Wood have moved to distance themselves from him. Among those speaking out is Danni Duncan, a nutrition coach and mother of four who created the FIT by Danni Duncan workout app.
Duncan told the Daily Mail that women already face challenges feeling safe within the fitness industry, warning that Wood's arrest threatens to damage client trust severely. She expressed strong doubt about whether the high-profile personal trainer could rebuild his career.
"Unless the story comes out that it was self-defence, I can't see him coming back from this," Duncan said. "I can't see a future for him in the fitness industry. The trust is now gone and you're not going to get that trust back any time soon, from my perspective."
Duncan further highlighted existing frustration among women regarding the male-dominated environment in fitness culture. She noted that seeing a prominent figure and father charged with such offences causes widespread disappointment.
"To see someone in that space with such a high profile, with daughters, as a father figure in the current landscape, I think women are just a bit over it and angry," Duncan said. "So when something like this comes out, it just makes us upset and frustrated."
Financial outlook and brand impact
While Duncan foresaw significant career obstacles for Wood, celebrity agent and veteran PR manager Max Markson provided a contrasting assessment of the trainer's financial position. Markson, who runs the PR agency Markson Sparks, argued that Wood's personal wealth would protect him from financial ruin.
Markson told the Daily Mail that although the charges would make securing future commercial endorsements difficult, Wood's financial foundation remains secure. When asked how much money Wood stood to lose, Markson offered a blunt evaluation.
"Nothing," Markson said. "Because he's already got $70 million four years ago. I mean, that's a lot of money for anybody. It won't worry him from a financial point of view. It won't affect him financially."
However, Markson acknowledged that Wood faces severe hurdles regarding commercial brand partnerships, regardless of the court outcome. He noted that corporate sponsors would be hesitant to align with the reality television star in the future.
"It'll be hard," Markson admitted when asked if major companies would work with Wood again if he is cleared. "I just know it'll be difficult for him. He'll just have to do other things, he'll have to do other companies, and whatever he does, but it won't affect him financially. But it might affect his personal life, in terms of having a profile, even if he's found not guilty."
Impact on family and influencer careers
Addressing the potential fallout for Wood's family, Markson suggested that his wife, Snezana Wood, and her daughter Eve are unlikely to see their professional careers impacted. Both women maintain active careers as digital content creators and social media influencers.
When asked whether the controversy would hurt their influencer ventures, Markson expressed confidence in their independence. "I don't believe so," Markson said. "I think they'll just trust him and move forward."
Markson also advised that Snezana is likely to avoid making detailed public statements as the legal process unfolds. "I think she'll just keep quiet," he said. "I don't think she'll want to get involved."
Snezana met Wood in 2015 when she appeared on the Australian reality dating series The Bachelor, where Wood featured as the leading man. The couple subsequently married and built a prominent public profile together.
On Monday, Sam and Snezana Wood issued an identical joint statement on their social media channels addressing the allegations. "This is a difficult time for all of us, we are working through this as a family and are thoroughly co-operating with authorities," the statement read.
Wood remains in custody following his arrest and is scheduled to appear at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday, where he is expected to apply for bail. Legal proceedings do not imply guilt, and Wood maintains his presumption of innocence under Australian law as he defends the charges.
Support is available for individuals affected by domestic and family violence. Confidential advice and assistance can be accessed by contacting 1800RESPECT or visiting the White Ribbon Australia website. In an emergency, call 000.
