Sam Wood Remains in Custody After Domestic Violence Charges

Former Bachelor Australia star Sam Wood remains in custody in Queensland after he was denied bail over alleged domestic violence offences involving his wife, Snezana Wood, following an incident at a Noosa property. The 46-year-old fitness entrepreneur was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting.

According to court proceedings reported by BBC and The Guardian, Wood appeared by video link at Maroochydore Magistrates Court after spending several nights in custody. Police prosecutors presented evidence including a statement from the alleged victim, photographs of injuries and an emergency call recording.

Police told the court the alleged victim said she was unable to breathe during the incident. Wood denies the strangulation allegation, and his lawyer Mathew Cuskelly said the defence may argue self defence during a family dispute.

Wood’s legal team argued he should receive bail to access mental health support and address damage to his professional standing. Cuskelly said Wood needed to "try to salvage something out of his professional reputation, which has taken a hell of a beating".

The fitness entrepreneur became nationally known after appearing as the lead in The Bachelor Australia in 2015, where he met Snezana Markoski. The couple married in 2018 and have four daughters, including one from Markoski’s previous relationship.

Wood later built the 28 by Sam Wood fitness and nutrition business, which was sold in 2022 for $71.2 million according to The Guardian. DBG Health, the company connected to the brand, ended its commercial relationship with Wood after his arrest.

In a statement posted on Wood and Snezana Wood’s social media accounts, the family said, "This is a difficult time for all of us, we are working through this as a family and thoroughly co-operating with authorities."

The company said it had zero tolerance for domestic violence and that Wood was removed from his duties while the matter proceeded through court. Several business associations connected to Wood also moved to distance themselves from him.

Wood previously described the rapid growth of his business after his reality television appearance. He told podcasts that his social media following and fitness platform expanded quickly, with the company later reaching more than one million subscribers globally.

Wood is scheduled to return to a Queensland court on 23 November. He has not been convicted of any offence and remains subject to the legal process.