Sam Wood has been terminated from the fitness empire he founded after being charged over alleged domestic violence in Queensland.
DBG Health, the parent company of 28 by Sam Wood, said it had ended all commercial arrangements with the 46-year-old trainer with immediate effect, following an earlier decision to place him on indefinite leave.
“Yesterday, DBG Health announced Mr Wood had been placed on indefinite leave. As a result of further considerations, DBG Health has now terminated all arrangements,” the company said.
“DBG Health does not tolerate domestic violence in any form, and our thoughts are with people impacted by it.”
The company said 28 by Sam Wood would continue under the leadership of Mark Watkin, supported by trainers, employees and other health and wellness experts.
Wood sold the business in 2022 in a deal worth $71 million but remained its public face.
Sam Wood faces court over allegations
He appeared at Maroochydore Magistrates’ Court on Monday after being charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting.
Police were called to Hastings Street on Noosa’s beachfront at about 9pm on Saturday. Wood, who lives in Melbourne, had been on holiday in Noosa when the alleged incident took place.
He remains in custody on remand. His lawyer, Mathew Cuskelly, said Wood would contest the charges and return to court on Thursday for a bail application.
“He’ll be defending the charges and will be back here on Thursday to run the bail application,” Mr Cuskelly said outside court.
Wood and his wife, Snezana, issued a joint statement on social media, saying: “This is a difficult time for all of us, we are working through this as a family and thoroughly co-operating with the authorities.”
The couple met on the reality television programme The Bachelor in 2015 and married in Byron Bay in November 2018.
Partnerships ended after charges
Ready-meal provider Foxes Den also ended its partnership with 28 by Sam Wood on Monday.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the charges involving Sam Wood,” the company said. “While this matter is before the courts, we’ve made the decision to step away from this partnership.”
Former Biggest Loser trainer Tiffany Hall, whose TXO fitness programme was acquired by 28 by Sam Wood about a year ago, said she was shocked by the allegations.
“I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence, and for violence of any kind,” Ms Hall said. “It is unacceptable and entirely at odds with the standards, core values and culture I wish to cultivate.”
She said her involvement with the programme had already ended and that she had moved on to other projects.
“As the matter is before the court, I will not comment on it,” she said. “My thoughts are with any victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, and with anyone distressed or triggered by these reports.”
The charges carry a maximum sentence of up to seven years in prison.
