Parent company ‘terminates all arrangements’ with celebrity fitness star after DV charges

Sam Wood’s fitness empire is crumbling.

The parent company of 28 By Sam Wood, the home training and nutrition brand that bears the name of the celebrity trainer, announced on Tuesday afternoon it has terminated its agreement after domestic violence charges were laid against the former reality TV star.

The Melbourne-based fitness entrepreneur, made famous by his appearance on reality TV show The Bachelor, was arrested on Saturday night in Noosa, where he was on holiday, and charged with domestic violence offences including assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting.

In a statement posted to social media, DGB Health, the parent company of his 28 by Sam Wood brand, announced the commercial arrangements will be severed “effective immediately”.

“Yesterday, DGB Health announced Mr Wood has been placed on indefinite leave. As a result of further considerations, DGB Health has now terminated all arrangements,” the fitness empire said.

“28 will continue its great work under the leadership of [acting chief executive] Mark Watkin, supported by a broader group of experienced and respected health and wellness experts including trainers and employees.

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“DGB Health does not tolerate domestic violence in any form, and our thoughts are with people impacted by it.

“As the matter is before the court, DGB Health will make no further comment.”

Wood remains in custody after a brief court appearance on Monday.

His lawyer has indicated he will defend the charges.

By Tuesday morning, fitness and wellness celebrities, primarily women, have already distanced themselves.

That had started with DBG Health, which now owns 28 Group after Wood merged the business with genetics group myDNA in a reported $71 million deal in 2022.

It had originally announced it had placed Wood on “indefinite leave” from his duties as the face of the brand, before Tuesday evening’s announcement their agreements had been terminated.

Earlier on Tuesday, celebrity publicist Max Markson told nine.com.au there is a chance the company eventually reinstates Wood after dropping him as the face of the brand entirely, but indicated that is unlikely.

“They’ll take his name off... depending on what happens long term, they may put it back on, but I would have thought with the amount of coverage it’s had already, they’ll just change the name of the company if it’s affecting their business,” Markson said.

“For Sam... well, it will stop his ongoing income, because his reputation will be damaged by this, but if you’ve got $70-odd million four years ago, I think you’ll be fine.”

Ready-to-eat meal brand Foxes Den has ended its partnership with 28 by Sam Wood, saying it was “shocked and deeply saddened” to hear of the charges.

“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 brand announced in a post to social media.

“We stand firmly against domestic and family violence in all its forms.

“Our thoughts are with the family and anyone affected by domestic violence.”

Entrepreneur and Married at First Sight star Jules Robinson announced overnight she had also ended her partnership with 28 by Sam Wood, in a decision that was “in line with my values and what I believe is right”.

“Women are my absolute priority,” she said.

“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.”

Tiffiny Hall, who has built a career on empowering women to be “strong and safe” through self-defence training, issued a statement via social media stressing her time with the 28 by Sam Wood brand had come to an end before his arrest.

She said she had “zero tolerance” for domestic and family violence.

“It is unacceptable and entirely at odds with the standards, core values and culture I wish to cultivate.

“I am shocked and disturbed by the charges against Sam Wood reported in the media.

“Before this news, my time with 28 by Sam Wood had already come to 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.”

She said she would not comment on the matter further while it was before the courts.

Actress and musician Tammin Sursok posted similarly that she was pausing her partnership with 28 by Sam Wood.

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“I want to be clear I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence,” she said.

“It’s an issue I care deeply about and one that I will always stand firmly against.”

Social media accounts for new telehealth weight-loss platform Ollo for Women, which partnered with 28 by Sam Wood, have been deleted or deactivated and accounts belonging to Wood and his wife Snezana have had their comments switched off.

A statement from “the Wood family” was posted to social media on Monday.

“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,” the statement read.

Wood will next appear in court on Thursday.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).