‘The Bachelor’ Alum Sam Wood Charged with Domestic Violence, Stands Down from Fitness Empire

Sam Wood, a prominent figure in Australia’s fitness industry and a former star of “The Bachelor,” has been indefinitely stood down from his multi-million-dollar fitness and nutrition business following his arrest and charging with domestic violence offenses. Wood, 46, was refused bail and remains in custody.

Queensland police responded to a call at an address in Noosa around 9 p.m. on Saturday. Authorities subsequently charged Wood with assault occasioning bodily harm in a domestic violence setting and strangulation in a domestic setting. He did not appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday, as his legal team prepared a bail application. The matter was adjourned, with a bail hearing expected on Thursday.

DBG Health, the parent company of Wood's fitness business “28 by Sam Wood,” issued a statement confirming his indefinite leave from his duties. "DBG Health has zero tolerance for domestic violence," a company 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, chief operating officer of 28 Group, will assume leadership in Wood's absence. DBG Health, owned by billionaire Dennis Bastas, also oversees the medical weight-loss business Ollo For Women.

Wood, who starred on “The Bachelor Australia” in 2015, married Snezana Markoski in 2018. The couple resides in Brighton, Victoria, and has three children together. Wood also co-parents Markoski's daughter from a previous relationship.

His entrepreneurial ventures followed his television appearance. Wood founded “28 by Sam Wood,” which he reportedly sold for $71 million in 2022. He also owns The Woodshed gym in Melbourne. In recent months, Wood was announced as the face of Ollo For Women, a telehealth platform specializing in medical weight loss and nutrition.

Wood’s social media presence has seen a significant decline in followers amid the allegations. Snezana Markoski addressed the situation via their joint Instagram accounts, stating, "This is a difficult time for all of us, we are working through this as a family and are thoroughly co-operating with the authorities."