An empire on the edge of a cliff: Inside Sam Wood’s rise to fame and fortune

Sam Wood, a former personal trainer turned fitness entrepreneur, faces serious domestic violence charges in Queensland, threatening the empire he built on the back of his television success and online fitness brand. The 46-year-old, who rose to fame after appearing on The Bachelor in 2015, was arrested on Sunday and charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting. The incident reportedly occurred around 9pm on Saturday at an address in Noosa, prompting police intervention. Wood's legal troubles come amid a dramatic shift in public perception of the man once celebrated for promoting female empowerment through his fitness programs. He and his wife, Snezana, issued a joint statement expressing cooperation with authorities and stating they were working through the situation as a family. Their social media accounts, along with those tied to their four daughters, saw comments disabled by Monday morning. Wood’s journey began in Melbourne’s southeast, where he worked as a personal trainer before his appearance on The Bachelor. His profile skyrocketed, leading him to sell his online fitness business, 28 by Sam Wood, to myDNA, a genomics firm backed by Melbourne businessman Dennis Bastas, for $71 million in 2022. Wood retained a minority stake and continued as the face of the company. His personal life mirrored his professional ascent. Snezana, who appeared on The Bachelor as a single mother, became his partner after meeting him on the show. She had been unattached for five years and was living with her parents in Perth while studying for a science degree. Her daughter Eve encouraged her to audition for the show. They married in 2018 and welcomed two more children, Charlie and Harper, bringing their total to four. Alongside expanding his family, Wood grew his Brighton-based gym, The Woodshed, and developed his fitness brand. The company gained traction during the pandemic, with large numbers of users signing up for its programs. This growth led to the acquisition by myDNA, which has since suspended Wood’s involvement pending the outcome of the investigation into the alleged domestic violence. DBG Health, the parent company of myDNA, released a statement affirming its stance against domestic violence and announcing Wood’s indefinite suspension from his roles. Acting CEO Mark Watkins expressed shock and sadness over the developments, noting the impact on the company and its stakeholders. The fallout has extended beyond Wood’s professional life. His social media presence, once a cornerstone of his brand, has suffered a sharp decline, with thousands of followers unfollowing him. Profiles associated with his businesses, including The Woodshed Gym and 28 by Sam Wood, also had comment sections locked down. Wood’s legal team has confirmed he plans to contest the charges. Meanwhile, Tania Monk, a prominent figure in the 28 brand, announced she would step away from her role as a coach due to the allegations. In an Instagram post, Monk emphasized her commitment to trust and integrity, stating she felt responsible for protecting her reputation and the values she stands for. As the case unfolds, the future of Wood’s empire remains uncertain. His legal battle could determine whether the foundation of his success, built on the empowerment of women, will withstand the scrutiny brought by these recent accusations.