Thursday 15 October 2026
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Sam Wood's fitness empire faced legal disputes before his fall from grace

Court documents reveal unpaid claims and disgruntled partners as the former Bachelor star awaits trial in Queensland

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Sam Wood, the former Bachelor star turned fitness entrepreneur, left a trail of disgruntled business partners and legal disputes as he built and sold his multimillion-dollar health platform, according to court documents. Wood is currently in custody in Queensland awaiting trial on charges of alleged domestic violence against his wife, Snezana.

The disputes are detailed in court documents that show Wood was accused of leaving collaborators out of pocket on deals as he founded and grew his health empire.

One case involves Loup, the company that launched actor Chris Hemsworth's online fitness business Centr. Loup fought Wood in court claiming that 28 By Sam Wood did not pay $400,000 after their commercial arrangement ended in September 2016. A source with knowledge of the dispute, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Loup wanted to open the 28 platform to other influencers and celebrities to launch their own fitness programs.

Wood's appearance on reality TV show The Bachelor propelled his career in business, including with 28 by Sam Wood, which he eventually sold to Melbourne billionaire Dennis Bastas in 2022 when the business was valued at more than $70 million. Wood has admitted receiving $15 million in the deal.

As Wood remains locked up in Queensland while awaiting trial for his alleged domestic violence charges, details about his crumbling business empire continue to emerge. The fitness guru and accused domestic abuser was moved to a prison for high-profile detainees.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The legal battles reveal the underside of a celebrity-branded fitness empire that attracted millions of consumers and business partners.
  • The case highlights risks for investors and collaborators who enter commercial arrangements with public figures lacking a track record in business.
  • Wood's ongoing domestic violence trial adds a criminal dimension to his personal and professional collapse.

Background

Sam Wood rose to prominence as the star of the Australian version of The Bachelor before launching the fitness program 28 by Sam Wood. The platform grew rapidly and was sold in 2022 to Melbourne billionaire Dennis Bastas at a valuation exceeding $70 million, a deal that made Wood a millionaire. Wood is now facing serious criminal charges and is in custody in Queensland.

Key Perspectives

Loup (The Health Consultancy): The company sought $400,000 from 28 By Sam Wood after the termination of their commercial arrangement. It wanted to use the platform to host multiple influencers. Sam Wood: Not quoted in the source material. He has admitted receiving $15 million from the sale of his business. Critics and business partners: The court cases suggest a pattern of leaving collaborators out of pocket, raising questions about the management of celebrity-branded ventures.

What to Watch

  • The outcome of the civil dispute between Loup and Wood's company.
  • Developments in Wood's domestic violence trial, which may affect his ability to manage his remaining business interests.
  • Whether more former partners or investors come forward with claims against Wood or his former companies.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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