A former Bachelor reality TV star is set to apply for bail after being accused of domestic violence offences, including strangulation.
Melbourne-based fitness influencer Sam Wood has spent several nights in custody on the Sunshine Coast following his weekend arrest.
Wood, 46, was charged after police received reports of alleged domestic violence at a Noosa property on Saturday night.
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He is expected to face Maroochydore Magistrates Court and apply for bail on Thursday.
Wood was charged on Sunday with the domestic violence offence of assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting.
The next day he was stood down indefinitely by the online fitness empire he fronts.
Wood’s lawyer Matthew Cuskelly said his client would defend the charges after the matter briefly appeared in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday.
“He’s simply worried about his family. A bail application will be heard on Thursday,” Mr Cuskelly told AAP.
“The charges will be defended.”
Wood did not appear in court during Monday’s brief mention.
A Wood family statement was posted on social media on Monday addressing the charges.
It was shared with Wood’s 253,000 Instagram followers, saying the family was “working through this”.
“This is a difficult time for all of us,” the statement read.
“We are working through this as a family and are thoroughly co-operating with the authorities.”
His wife, Snezana – who he met on The Bachelor – also shared the statement on social media.
Wood earned a national profile as a star of The Bachelor’s third season in 2015, launching a successful home fitness business 28 By Sam Wood.
He reportedly sold it in 2022 for more than $70 million but remained the face of the online platform.
The wellness businesses behind the platform on Monday said Wood had been stood down indefinitely.
“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, would lead the business in Wood’s absence, it said.
“We have all been shocked and saddened by the matters involving Sam Wood,” Mr Watkins said in a separate statement.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
