Eve Markoski-Wood has reconnected with her estranged biological father following the arrest of her stepfather, Australian television personality Sam Wood, over an alleged domestic violence incident in Queensland.
Wood, 46, has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in a domestic violence context and strangulation in a domestic setting after police were called to the La Mer luxury holiday villas in Noosa on Saturday night.
A woman was taken away by ambulance, while Wood was questioned by police at about 9pm before being taken to the Maroochydore watchhouse.
Eve, 21, was staying at the property with her mother, Snezana Markoski, Wood and the couple’s three children. Her biological father, Perth-based former motorcycle racer Jason Rapoff, was reported to have been estranged from her.
Rapoff confirmed that he had spoken to Eve by telephone after Wood’s arrest and said he was not worried about her safety.
“Nah, I’ve spoken to her,” he said when asked whether he was concerned for his daughter.
His mother, Sophia Rapoff, said Eve was “doing fine” and that the family’s priority was her wellbeing.
“I don’t know what was discussed [between Jason and Eve] and he will not talk to anybody,” she said. “He has been in touch with Eve – she is fine. That’s all we’re concerned about.”
Ms Rapoff also dismissed claims circulating on Facebook that her son could have been involved in the incident, pointing out that he was about 5,000 kilometres away in Western Australia.
Eve was raised by Snezana after her parents separated when she was a baby. She previously said: “I grew up just with my mum, single mum and she raised me to the woman I am today.”
In a podcast interview last year, Eve became tearful while discussing her relationship with Rapoff, alleging that he had once told her she did not “deserve the life I’m living”. Rapoff declined to comment when asked about the current nature of their relationship.
Wood became a father figure to Eve after meeting Snezana on The Bachelor Australia in 2015. The couple married in 2018, and Eve later adopted Wood’s surname.
Wood has previously said he did not describe himself as Eve’s stepfather. “I am Eve’s dad. That’s how I feel, that’s how I act,” he said in 2019.
He was not present at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday, with his lawyer, Mathew Cuskelly, appearing on his behalf. The case was adjourned until Thursday, when Wood is expected to apply for bail.
Mr Cuskelly said Wood intended to defend the charges and was concerned for his family. Wood is expected to remain in custody until the matter returns to court.
Wood and Snezana issued identical statements on Instagram Stories, saying: “This is a difficult time for all of us, we are working through this as a family and are thoroughly co-operating with the authorities.”
Wood, who owns a Melbourne gym, made his fortune after selling his fitness company, 28 by Sam Wood, to genomics and DNA testing firm myDNA for £71.2 million equivalent in 2022.
