At a glance…
- Content warning: This article discusses domestic violence, which may be triggering for some readers. Help is available.
- Former Bachelor Australia star and fitness entrepreneur Sam Wood, 46, has been charged with two domestic violence offences following an alleged incident in Noosa on Saturday, 3 October.
- Sam and his wife, Snezana Wood, issued the same statement on their social media accounts, saying: “This is a difficult time for all of us” and that the family is cooperating with authorities.
- The alleged victim has not been publicly identified.
- Sam Wood has been stood down by 28 by Sam Wood while the case is before the courts.
Former Bachelor Australia star Sam Wood remains in custody after being charged with two domestic violence offences.
“Officers attended a Hastings Street, Noosa address around 9 pm Saturday after receiving reports of alleged domestic violence,” a police spokesperson told The Courier-Mail of the incident.
“Police have charged a 46-year-old Victorian man with domestic violence offences early this morning, 4 October. The man has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and strangulation in a domestic setting.”
Sam Wood remains in custody
On Monday morning, 5 October, Sam appeared before Maroochydore Magistrates Court via video link from the local police watch house.
The 46-year-old had been refused police bail following his arrest and was remanded in custody.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday afternoon, 8 October, when his lawyer, Mathew Cuskelly, intends to make a bail application.
The ABC reports that his lawyer also told the court he would tender material relating to the charges ahead of that appearance.
Outside court, his lawyer told reporters that the charges would be defended.
Following his arrest, Sam and his wife Snezana, whom he met on The Bachelor Australia, shared the same statement on their social media accounts. The couple have four children.
“This is a difficult time for all of us; we are working through this as a family and are thoroughly cooperating with the authorities,” the statement read.
The alleged victim has not been publicly identified.
Sam Wood stood down from fitness businesses
28 by Sam Wood, the fitness company he founded, also announced that Sam would be stood down while the case is before the courts.
“We have all been shocked and saddened by the matters involving Sam Wood,” the statement from acting CEO Mark Watkin read. “We have zero tolerance for domestic violence. While the matter is under investigation and before the court, Sam is on indefinite leave from his duties.”
“Our thoughts are with the family and anyone in the community affected by domestic violence.”
Sam sold the business in 2022 for a reported $71 million but remained closely associated with the company and its public face.
Just 13 weeks ago, Sam announced a new venture, Ollo for Women, a “women’s health platform” with an accompanying app designed to support women with their “long-term health.”
Its official Instagram account, @olloforwomen, is no longer available.
SmartCompany also reports that Sam has been stood down from Ollo for Women.
The venture, like 28 by Sam Wood, is owned by DBG Health and was formed through a partnership between 28 by Sam Wood and Medmate.
This story is developing…
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. Men worried about their own violent or controlling behaviour can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can contact 13YARN on 13 92 76.
