Lawyer for 'Bachelor' star Sam Wood faces backlash for 'hell of a beating' comment

Sam Wood's lawyer, Mathew Cuskelly, has drawn sharp criticism for his choice of words during a court hearing for the former reality television star's domestic violence charges. Cuskelly reportedly told Maroochydore Magistrates Court that Wood's professional reputation was taking "a hell of a beating" as he argued for his client to receive mental health support to salvage his career.

An Australian influencer, identified only as Lauren, who runs the maternal mental health account "Mental as a Mother," lambasted Cuskelly's remarks in a video shared with her followers. Lauren accused the defense of diverting attention from the alleged victim and focusing instead on the potential damage to Wood's career and brand partnerships. She highlighted the inappropriate nature of using a phrase like "hell of a beating" when defending a client accused of domestic violence, particularly alleged strangulation.

Lauren, who stated she has a background in communications and crisis communications, suggested the defense was attempting to control the public narrative. She emphasized the importance of words and centering the story on the person suffering. "And I'm so f**king tired of watching public conversations about men's violence against women become conversations about the future of men's careers," she said.

Wood, 46, was denied bail following his arrest on Saturday night. Police were called to a Hastings Street location where Wood, his wife Snezana, their three children, and Wood's stepdaughter Eve, 21, were staying. According to police, Eve called emergency services and reported that the victim had been choked. While Snezana had not made a formal statement to police, she provided a version of events in a video recording.

Prosecutor Sgt Grigoris told the court that an argument allegedly escalated when the couple were packing to return home to Melbourne. Snezana was reportedly pushed into a wardrobe, and Eve intervened when Wood approached her aggressively. The court heard that Snezana then attempted to get between Wood and Eve, at which point Wood allegedly put his hands around Snezana's throat, forced her to the floor, and banged her head.

Snezana told police she believed she was going to die during the alleged incident and that Wood was "going to kill her." She reportedly described Wood as "volatile and prone to angry outbursts" and said she felt she had to "walk on eggshells around him." The alleged attack reportedly ended when one of the children called out. Photographs of Snezana's alleged injuries were presented in court, and she reportedly supports the criminal charges against Wood.

Wood's solicitor, Cuskelly, denied that his client had strangled or assaulted his wife. He indicated that Wood might argue self-defense, suggesting that Eve was hostile and Snezana approached Wood, who then pushed her away. Cuskelly also questioned the evidence of injuries, noting that tendered photographs did not clearly show injuries to the throat. Wood has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Wood sought bail to an address in Victoria, but police opposed this, citing an increased risk of him failing to appear in court due to a lack of ties to Queensland. The court was told that Wood founded the fitness business "28 by Sam Wood," which he sold in 2022. The company that acquired the business has since distanced itself from Wood, stating it has "zero tolerance" for domestic violence and has cut all ties with him. Wood married Snezana in 2018, and they reside in Melbourne. He is scheduled to remain in custody until November 23.