The great unravelling of Sam Wood’s professional life: List of stars and businesses cutting ties with him following DV charges
Sam Wood’s professional life is unravelling after a host of Australian celebrities have severed ties with his business, after he was arrested on domestic violence charges and denied bail.
Wood founded fitness and training business 28 by Sam Wood, which he sold for $71 million to DBG Health in 2022 while remaining the face of the online platform.
But many of the trainers, celebrities and companies associated with Wood’s business have distanced themselves from it after Wood was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation charges on Sunday morning.
Celebrity trainer and Gladiator Tiffiny Hall, who had strong links to Wood’s fitness and nutrition empire, led the charge, confirming that she was no longer affiliated with the brand.
‘I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence, for violence of any kind,’ the 42-year-old wrote in an Instagram statement.
‘It is unacceptable, entirely at odds with the standards, core values and culture I wish to cultivate,’ she continued.
Sam Wood’s professional life is unravelling after a host of Australian celebrities have severed ties with his business, after he was arrested on domestic violence charges and denied bail
Celebrity trainer Tiffiny Hall, who had strong links to Wood’s fitness and nutrition empire, led the charge, confirming that she was no longer affiliated with the brand
‘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. I had moved on to focus on other projects. I have no ongoing role or involvement with the program.’
Home and Away veteran Tammin Sursok, who has previously appeared alongside Wood in promotional videos for his company, also issued a statement on Monday indicating that the business relationship is on ‘pause’.
‘I’m aware of the serious charges reported in the media involving Sam Wood,’ the 43-year-old wrote on social media.
‘I want to be clear that I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence. It’s an issue I care deeply about, and one that I will always stand firmly against.
‘In light of the reports, I have immediately paused my partnership and removed related promotional content from my social channels, while this matter is before the courts.
‘I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence, and for violence of any kind,’ the 42-year-old wrote in an Instagram statement
Tammin Sursok, who has previously appeared alongside Wood in promotional videos for his 28 by Sam Wood company, also issued a statement indicating the business relationship is on ‘pause’
‘My thoughts are with anyone impacted by domestic and family violence.’
Meanwhile, body positive entrepreneur and MAFS veteran Jules Robinson also announced she had ended her partnership with Wood.
‘Women are my absolute priority. Their safety, wellbeing and empowerment are at the heart of what I stand for,’ Robinson posted.
‘I’m very conscious of who I choose to align myself with, both personally and professionally. My values never falter, regardless of the person or partnership.
‘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.
In another shock move, ready-made meal business Foxes Den also joined the exodus, confirming it was stepping away from Wood’s business
‘We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the charges involving Sam Wood,’ their statement read. ‘Effective immediately, Foxes Den has ended its partnership with 28 by Sam Wood’
‘This is a decision I have made in line with my values, what I believe is right. My commitment to supporting, empowering and standing with women will always come first. My thoughts are with everyone affected during what is a difficult time.’
28 By Sam Wood strength trainer Tania Monk also released a statement ditching her association with the business.
‘Like many of you, I am shocked and deeply saddened by what has unfolded. Domestic violence, in all its forms, is something I stand firmly against,’ Monk wrote.
‘With serious charges now before the courts, I will not speculate or comment on the circumstances of the case. My thoughts are with everyone directly affected. I sincerely hope they are safe and supported.
‘But I do need to speak for myself. 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.’
28 By Sam Wood strength trainer Tania Monk also released a statement disavowing the business
Monk added that her own reputation as a trainer meant she could not be involved in Wood’s business, while the matter was still before the courts.
‘My name, my reputation and what I stand for are my own. And I have a responsibility to protect them. For that reason, I will not continue professionally under the 28 by Sam Wood brand or attach my name to a program that remains associated with Sam,’ she said.
‘This is not a statement about guilt or innocence. That is for the courts. This is about my values, where I draw my own professional line.’
In another move, ready-made meal business Foxes Den also joined the exodus, confirming it was stepping away from its partnership with Wood’s business.
‘We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the charges involving Sam Wood,’ their statement read.
‘Effective immediately, Foxes Den has ended its partnership. 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. We stand firmly against domestic and family violence in all its forms.’
Even more tellingly, the 28 By Sam Wood Menopause Community Facebook page rebranded itself on Monday night to 28 Menopause Community, completely removing his name from the title
Even more tellingly, the 28 By Sam Wood Menopause Community Facebook page rebranded itself on Monday night to 28 Menopause Community, completely removing his name from the title.
The multi-million-dollar wellness businesses fronted by Wood have responded to the allegations and stood him down.
‘DBG Health, the parent company of 28 by Sam Wood, has zero tolerance for domestic violence,’ a DBG Health spokesperson said.
‘While the matter is under investigation and before the court, Sam Wood is on indefinite leave from his duties. Our thoughts are with the family and anyone in the community affected by domestic violence.
‘Mark Watkins, 28 Group’s Chief Operating Officer, will be leading the business in Wood’s absence.’
The Bachelor star, 46, who has three children with his wife, Snezana, was arrested on Saturday after police attended a property on Noosa’s main street.
Wood did not appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday, with the matter instead dealt with by his lawyer, Mathew Cuskelly.
Mr Cuskelly asked for the case to be relisted on Thursday, when Wood is expected to apply for bail.
The celebrity fitness trainer will remain in the local watchhouse until at least Thursday, when the case is due to return to court.
A police spokesperson said officers attended the Hastings Street address at about 9pm on Saturday after receiving reports of alleged domestic violence.
‘Police have charged a 46-year-old Victorian man with domestic violence offences early this morning, 4 October,’ the spokesperson said.
‘The man has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and strangulation in a domestic setting.’
The Daily Mail does not suggest Wood is guilty of the offences he is charged with.
If you need someone to talk to about domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT or visit White Ribbon Australia’s website. In an emergency, call 000.
