Sam Wood dumped by healthcare billionaire after domestic violence charges
The company that propelled Sam Wood from reality TV star to million-dollar businessman has severed all commercial ties with the fitness trainer as he remains in custody on domestic violence charges.
After first standing Wood down, the fitness empire, now led by Melbourne billionaire Dennis Bastas, announced on Tuesday that they were terminating their relationship with him “effective immediately”.
Sam Wood is charged with domestic violence offences. His lawyer says Wood will defend the charges.”Yesterday [Monday], we announced that Sam Wood had been placed on indefinite leave. As a result of further considerations, DBG Health has now terminated all arrangements,” said a statement released by the group and attributed to Bastas.
“28 Group [the parent company of Wood’s fitness business] will continue its great work under the leadership of Mark Watkin, supported by a broader group of experienced and respected health and wellness experts including trainers and employees.
“DBG Health does not tolerate domestic violence in any form, and our thoughts are with anyone affected by it.
“As the matter is before the court, please understand that we don’t think it is appropriate to make any further comment at this stage.”
Businessman and healthcare entrepreneur Dennis Bastas has ended his working relationship with Wood.Nicole ReedBastas bought the 28 by Sam Wood health and fitness business from the former Bachelor star in 2022 for $71 million. After the transaction, Wood held no equity in the enterprise.
A source connected to the 28 group, but not authorised to speak publicly, told this masthead that the business had terminated its commercial contract with Wood for breach of key terms in the agreement.
Under the commercial arrangements that are now severed, Wood remained as frontman for the online workout platform.
Wood’s wife, Snezana Wood, whom he met on the reality show, was often by his side touting the business and how it had transformed her own fitness journey.
The source said the contract was a standard commercial agreement that included clauses relating to reputation, reflecting Wood’s role as the face of the enterprise.
On Tuesday morning, Wood’s face remained prominent over the business’s website.
Wood has been behind bars in Queensland after being charged on Sunday with assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and strangulation in a domestic setting following an incident in Noosa on Saturday night.
Wood’s lawyer, Mathew Cuskelly.Cloe ReadDefence lawyer Mathew Cuskelly said a bail application would be made on Thursday and that the charges would be defended.
Wood made his fortune off the 28 fitness platform, which was aimed at women with accessible workout and meal plans.
The move against Woods by the fitness business came after an exodus of fitness identities and celebrities including Tiffiny Hall, Jules Robinson, Tania Monk and former Home and Away actor Tammin Sursok began distancing themselves from Wood.
Hall, a trainer whose workout videos appear prominently on the 28 by Sam Wood social media pages, released a statement late on Monday saying she had “no ongoing role or involvement with the program”.
“I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence, and for violence of any kind,” said Hall, who is an advocate for self-defence and women’s safety. “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. As the matter is before the court, I will not comment on it.
“Before this news, my time with 28 by Sam Wood had already come to an end.
Melbourne fitness identity Tiffiny Hall. Advertisement“My thoughts are with any victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, and with anyone distressed or triggered by these reports.”
Robinson, an influencer and body positive entrepreneur has also ended her partnership with Wood’s fitness empire.
Former Married At First Sight participant Jules Robinson.Jessica Hromas“Women are my absolute priority. Their safety, wellbeing and empowerment are at the heart of what I stand for,” Robinson, a former Married At First Sight participant who had worked with the 28 brand, posted on social media.
“I’m very conscious of who I choose to align myself with, both personally and professionally.
“While I won’t comment on a matter before the courts, I stand firmly against domestic and family violence in all forms.
“In light of the circumstances, I have made the decision to end my partnership with 28 by Sam Wood.”
Wood met his wife Snezana on The Bachelor Australia.Channel TenReady-made meal business Foxes Den continued the exodus, confirming it had ended its partnership with 28 by Sam Wood.
“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,” its statement read.
“We stand firmly against domestic and family violence in all its forms.”
One of the first to break ties was Monk, known online as @fitafter40_faf, a trainer on the 28 platform.
“For many years, I have worked incredibly hard to build a reputation based on trust, integrity and advocating for women. That work means EVERYTHING to me,” she posted on Instagram.
“I will not continue professionally under the 28 by Sam Wood brand or attach my name to a program that remains associated with Sam.
“This is not a statement about guilt or innocence. That is for the courts. This is about my values and where I draw my own professional line.”
Sursok said she was “pausing” her partnership with the 28 platform, and said she had “zero tolerance for domestic and family violence”.
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
You have reached your maximum number of saved items.
Remove items from your saved list to add more.
