All the Aussie celebrities who have distanced themselves from Sam Wood
From 28 brand ambassadors to other former Bachelors, here are the Aussie celebrities who have weighed in on the Sam Wood allegations.
Australian celebrities have spoken out about Sam Wood in the days since his arrest for alleged domestic violence charges in Queensland.
On Sunday afternoon, The Courier Mail reported the 46-year-old had been arrested and charged with assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and strangulation in a domestic setting, following a call out to a Noosa address on Saturday night around 9pm.
The fitness influencer was on a family holiday in Noosa at the time with his wife Snezana Woods, her 21-year-old daughter Eve, and their three daughters — Willow, 8, Charlie, 7, and Harper, 4.
During a hearing at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday, the police said the alleged victim supported criminal charges being brought against Wood. The court also heard that Wood denies the charges against him.
In the days since the news broke, many of Wood’s former colleagues, collaborators and friends have spoken out against the former Bachelor and distanced themselves from him.
On Monday, 28 by Sam Wood brand ambassador and actress Tammin Sursok posted a statement to her Instagram stories saying she has “paused” her partnership with the company.
“I’m aware of the serious charges reported in the media involving Sam Wood,” she wrote.
“I want to be clear that I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence. It’s an issue I care deeply about, and one that I will always stand firmly against.
“In light of the reports, I have immediately paused my partnership with 28 by Sam Wood and removed related promotional content from my social channels while this matter is before the courts.”
Former MAFS contestant Jules Robinson also shared that she had ended her partnership with the brand.
“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,” she posted on her Instagram stories.
“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.
“My commitment to supporting, empowering and standing with women will always come first.”
Tiff Hall, who had finished working with the brand before Wood’s arrest, said she was “shocked and disturbed” by the news.
“I have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence, and for violence of any kind,” she said.
“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 and I had moved on to focus on other projects. I have no ongoing role or involvement with the program.”
Fellow former Bachelor Matt Agnew also posted to Instagram, calling the alleged incident “abhorrent”.
“I know Sam Wood,” his statement began. “That does not soften where I stand.
“Domestic violence is abhorrent. I condemn it absolutely and unequivocally,” he continued.
“Knowing someone is not a reason to look away. It is not a reason to stay quiet. If anything, it creates a greater responsibility to speak clearly. And on this, there is no ambiguity.”
Former Bachelorette star Angie Kent also addressed the news, saying it needed a “main spot on the grid”.
“Just because I was the Bachelorette 84 years ago, it does NOT mean I am in some secret club with former Bachelors/Bachettes, or that I even know Sam,” she wrote. “Let’s keep the focus on what actually matters here.”
“A quick reminder…. I have zero space on my page for the ‘not all men’ talk, or victim blaming,” Angie added. “See ya’self out.”
In an episode of their podcast Life Uncut this week, former Bachelor contestants Laura Byrne and Brittany Hockley called the alleged behaviour “absolutely abhorrent and disgusting”.
Wood has been denied bail, and is due to appear back in court on November 23.
