I can't see a future for Sam Wood, 'the trust is now gone': Fitness guru delivers scathing verdict about PT's future as DV charges are laid

A leading fitness guru says she can't see a future for Sam Wood in the fitness industry after he was charged with domestic violence offences, unless he is cleared by a court. 

Danni Duncan, a nutrition coach and mother-of-four, told the Daily Mail that women already struggle to feel safe in the fitness industry, and that the celebrity PT's arrest was likely to cause distrust moving forward. 

Wood, 46, was arrested in Noosa on Saturday night after Queensland Police were called to a Hastings Street property following reports of alleged domestic violence.

He was subsequently charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in a domestic violence context and strangulation in a domestic setting, and will face court again on Thursday.

Wood's lawyer has said he will defend the charges, which have already had an immediate impact on Wood's professional career.

Wood was last night dropped from 28 by Sam Wood, the fitness empire he founded before selling it in 2022 for about $71 million. 

Several of the trainers, celebrities and companies associated with Wood's business have also distanced themselves from him.

Duncan, who is best known for her FIT by Danni Duncan workout app, is among those who have turned their back on the high-profile personal trainer.  

'Unless the story comes out that it was self-defence, I can't see him coming back from this,' she said.  

Duncan is not confident that Wood will be able to recover his reputation. 

'I can't see (a future) for him (in the fitness industry). 

'The trust is now gone and you're not going to get that trust back any time soon, from my perspective.'

Duncan went on to explain that women are already 'angry' about the male-centred climate in the fitness industry.  

'To see someone in that space with such a high profile, with daughters, as a father figure in the current landscape... I think women are just a bit over it and angry, so when something like this comes out, it just makes us upset and frustrated,' she said. 

While Duncan cannot see a way forward for Wood, celebrity agent Max Markson offered up a different take.

Markson insists the former Bachelor star is unlikely to suffer financially because of his considerable wealth.

The veteran PR guru, who runs Markson Sparks, told Daily Mail that while the allegations could make it difficult for Wood to secure future brand deals, he did not believe the controversy would have a major impact on his personal finances.

'It won't affect him financially,' Markson said.

When asked how much money he thought Wood could lose as a result of the controversy, his answer was blunt: 'Nothing.'

'Because he's already got $70 million four years ago. I mean, that's a lot of money for anybody. It won't worry him from a financial point of view.  

Wood sold 28 by Sam Wood to myDNA in 2022 for a reported $71.2 million, although he retained a five per cent stake.

Where Markson did see a significant problem, however, was Wood's ability to work with major brands.

When asked whether companies would ever want to work with the reality star again, even if he is ultimately found not guilty, Markson admitted: 'It'll be hard.'

'I just know it'll be difficult for him,' he said.

'He'll just have to do other things, he'll have to do other companies, and whatever he does, but it won't affect him financially.' 

'But it might affect his personal life, in terms of having a profile, even if he's found not guilty.'

Yet Markson believes Wood's wife Snezana Wood and her daughter Eve are unlikely to suffer professionally as a result of the controversy.

When asked whether he expected the charges to affect their influencer careers, he replied: 'I don't believe so. I think they'll just trust him and move forward.'

Wood was stood down from the company bearing his name, 28 by Sam Wood, on Monday and officially terminated by its owner, DBG Health, on Tuesday.

The parent company shared a statement on Tuesday afternoon confirming it had 'ended its commercial arrangements with Sam Wood, effective immediately'. 

'Yesterday DBG Health announced Mr Wood had been placed on indefinite leave,' the statement said.

'As a result of further considerations, DBG Health has now terminated all arrangements.'

DBG Health indicated the company will be renamed to 28.

'28 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,' it said.

'DBG Health does not tolerate domestic violence in any form, and our thoughts are with people impacted by it.

'As the matter is before the court, DBG Health will make no further comment.' 

Snezana, who met Wood when she appeared on The Bachelor in 2015, has so far made only a brief statement about the situation.

She and Wood posted an identical message to their social media accounts on Monday, saying: 'This is a difficult time for all of us, we are working through this as a family and are thoroughly co-operating with authorities.'

Markson also suggested she may choose not to say much more publicly.

When asked what advice he would give Snezana when she eventually breaks her silence, he said: 'I think she'll just keep quiet. I don't think she'll want to get involved.'

Wood remains in custody and is expected to apply for bail when the matter returns to Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The Daily Mail does not suggest Wood is guilty of the offences with which he has been charged.

If you need someone to talk to about domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT or visit White Ribbon Australia's website. In an emergency, call 000.