Fitness influencer and former reality TV star Sam Wood has been denied bail over domestic violence charges. The 46-year-old was charged by Queensland police on Sunday with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting. He was refused bail, and the victim or victims were not identified, in line with Queensland laws.
Court hears allegations of choking
On Thursday, the Maroochydore magistrates court heard that Snezana Markoski, who was allegedly choked and assaulted by Wood, told police she “thought she was going to die”. Wood’s lawyer told media on Monday that the star intended to “defend the charges”.
A statement posted to social media accounts of the husband and wife said: “This is a difficult time for all of us, we are working through this as a family and are thoroughly co-operating with authorities.”
From reality TV romance to commercial empire
Wood came to public attention in 2015 as a contestant on the dating show The Bachelor, then at the peak of its popularity in Australia. He married the woman he met there, Snezana Markoski, with whom he built both a family and a series of fitness and wellness enterprises.
At the time of his Bachelor appearance, Wood was the owner of GeckoSports, a kids’ fitness franchise network. He sold it in 2016 to startup online fitness and health program 28 by Sam Wood, which grew rapidly, ballooning during Covid lockdowns and claiming more than 400,000 subscribers over its first six years.
In 2022, Wood sold 28 to myDNA, a Melbourne genomics company backed by pharmaceuticals mogul Dennis Bastas, for $71.2m, a 5% stake in the parent company, and an agreement that he would remain the face of the program.
Businesses distance themselves
Companies that have had commercial partnerships with Wood since his Bachelor appearance are numerous, including Weet-Bix, Mercedes-Benz, Under Armour, 2XU, Australian Eggs, MYOB, Vibe Soda, Remedy Drinks, and health insurer Bupa. Many are now making clear those partnerships are long over.
On Monday, as news about the domestic violence allegations gathered steam, businesses and other fitness influencers began distancing themselves from Wood, in some cases breaking off active commercial agreements. Ollo’s social media accounts were deactivated. DBG Health, the ultimate owners of 28, put Wood on indefinite leave, and changed the cover image on the fitness program’s Facebook page.
On Tuesday, the company Wood had built “ended its commercial relationships with Sam Wood, effective immediately”. “DBG Health does not tolerate domestic violence in any form, and our thoughts are with anyone affected by it,” a spokesperson said, noting 28 would continue under the leadership of Mark Watkin, previously its chief operating officer.
Wood returns to court on 23 November. Support for anyone affected by the subject matter of this report is available at Full Stop Australia (1800 385 578).
