Influencer Faces Backlash for Comments on Sam Wood's Domestic Violence Charges

Self-help coach Eryka Stanton has drawn criticism for her statements on social media regarding the domestic violence charges against reality television personality Sam Wood.

Stanton posted on Instagram, which she later deleted, that "being charged is not the same as being convicted." She urged followers against making assumptions about Wood's guilt, stating that "massively damaging assumptions" were being made without full details. Wood was arrested over the weekend and faces charges of domestic violence and strangulation, and was denied bail on Thursday.

"People are so easily influenced they cannot engage in any form of critical thinking," Stanton wrote in her initial post. "There are massive damaging assumptions being made that he hurt a woman." She also noted that domestic violence can encompass various family relationships, including men, and criticized the use of the situation as a "marketing opportunity."

Following backlash, Stanton posted a video doubling down on her message, asserting that she was defending "human rights," "due process," and "thinking skills." She argued that media coverage and public reaction were twisting the narrative into Wood being a "wife beater" and that it was "crazy" that influencers with experience in the domestic violence space were reacting so strongly without all the facts.

"Now, it's crazy to me that this morning I saw so many high-ranking influencers in the domestic violence space because I'm a huge advocate, myself having experienced it," Stanton stated in her video. "They have just taken a headline from a news article and they've somehow twisted that into Sam Wood is a wife beater. Sam Wood strangled his wife. This is not okay."

The video was subsequently shared by the non-profit organization Wundirra, which offered a counter-perspective. Wundirra stated that while Sam Wood is entitled to the presumption of innocence, "Taking domestic violence charges seriously does not remove those rights." The organization highlighted that Wood has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and strangulation in a domestic setting, and that the alleged victim has not been publicly identified due to Queensland law.

"But suggesting it is irrational to suspect the alleged victim may be a woman or family member ignores the context in which these charges were reported," Wundirra commented on the repost. The organization also questioned Stanton's justifications, such as self-defense or protecting family, asking, "Based on what evidence?"

Wundirra added that "taking allegations seriously is not determining guilt" and that individuals who advocate for women's empowerment should understand the complexity of public perception versus private behavior. "Survivors already fear they won't be believed because others 'know' another version of that person," the organization noted. "That should make us MORE careful about manufacturing innocent explanations, because when we know better, we do better."

When contacted, Stanton described the online response as "irrational" and reiterated her belief that people were reacting without facts. "I did receive a lot of backlash but I don't believe it's reasonable to have people reacting so irrationally without the facts," she said.

The court heard that Sam Wood's wife, Snezana, reportedly feared for her life during an alleged domestic violence incident at their apartment. Police indicated to Maroochydore Magistrates Court of an earlier, similar incident in Victoria. Wood was denied bail and remains in custody. His solicitor has indicated he may rely on self-defense if the charges proceed to trial.