Sam Wood dumped by healthcare billionaire after domestic violence charges

Billionaire Melbourne businessman Dennis Bastas and his DBG Health empire has severed all commercial ties with accused domestic violence perpetrator Sam Wood as the health and fitness identity remains in custody.

Wood’s lawyer has indicated the 46-year-old would defend the charges.

DBG Health said in a statement on Tuesday that the dumping of Wood was “effective immediately”.

“Yesterday (Monday), we announced that Sam Wood had been placed on indefinite leave. As a result of further considerations, DBG Health has now terminated all arrangements,” said a statement released by DBG Health and attributed to Bastas.

“28 Group (the parent company of Wood’s fitness business) will continue its great work under the leadership of Mark Watkin, supported by a broader group of experienced and respected health and wellness experts including trainers and employees.

“DBG Health does not tolerate domestic violence in any form, and our thoughts are with anyone affected by it.

“As the matter is before the court, please understand that we don’t think it is appropriate to make any further comment at this stage.”

Bastas bought the 28 by Sam Wood health and fitness business from the former Bachelor star in 2022 for $71 million.

Under the commercial arrangements that are now severed, Wood remained as frontman for the online workout platform.

After the transaction, Wood held no equity in the enterprise.

On Tuesday, Wood’s face remained prominent over the business’s website.

Wood remains in custody in the Queensland town of in Maroochydore after being charged on Sunday with assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and strangulation in a domestic setting following an incident in Noosa on Saturday night.

Defence lawyer Mathew Cuskelly said a bail application would be made on Thursday and that the charges would be defended.

Wood made his fortune off the 28 fitness platform, which was aimed women with accessible workout and meal plans to fit around their busy schedules.

Fitness identities and celebrities Tiffiny Hall, Jules Robinson, Tania Monk – who is known online as @fitafter40_faf – and former Home and Away actor Tammin Sursok began distancing themselves from Wood on Monday following news of his arrest.

Hall, a high-profile trainer whose workout videos appear prominently on the 28 by Sam Wood social media pages, released a statement late on Monday saying she had “no ongoing role or involvement with the program”.

“I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence, and for violence of any kind,” said Hall, who is an advocate for self-defence and women’s safety. “It is unacceptable and entirely at odds with the standards, core values and culture I wish to cultivate.

“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.

“My thoughts are with any victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, and with anyone distressed or triggered by these reports. I will continue to empower women to be safe, strong and supported in any way I can.”

Robinson, an influencer, body positive entrepreneur and fellow reality TV contestant, also said she had ended her partnership with Wood’s fitness empire.

“Women are my absolute priority. Their safety, wellbeing and empowerment are at the heart of what I stand for,” Robinson, a former Married At First Sight participant who had been working with the 28 brand, posted on social media.

“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 with 28 by Sam Wood. This is a decision I have made in line with my values and what I believe is right.”

Ready-made meal business Foxes Den continued the exodus, confirming it had ended its partnership with 28 by Sam Wood.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the charges involving Sam Wood,” Foxes Den said in a statement read.

“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 from this partnership.

“We stand firmly against domestic and family violence in all its forms.”

One of the first to break ties was Monk, known online as @fitafter40_faf, a trainer on the 28 platform.

Monk said she was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news about Wood’s arrest.

“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,” she posted on Instagram.

“You have trusted me with your health, your stories, your struggles and your successes. I don’t take that trust lightly.

“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.

“This is not a statement about guilt or innocence. That is for the courts. This is about my values and where I draw my own professional line.”

Sursok said she was “pausing” her partnership with the 28 platform, and said she had “zero tolerance for domestic and family violence”.

Wood’s wife, Snezana Wood, whom he met on the reality show, was often by his side touting the business and how it had transformed her own fitness journey.

The entrepreneur sold the company in 2022 to myDNA, a genomics group backed by Bastas, the Melbourne-based businessman and healthcare entrepreneur Dennis Bastas.

On Monday, a spokesperson for the business’ parent company announced Wood had been indefinitely stood down.

Read more:

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.