By Andrew Stafford
A fitness empire has undergone an online facelift after being abandoned by allies and advertisers after its founder, a former reality television star, was charged with domestic violence offences.
The multimillion-dollar enterprise formerly known as 28 by Sam Wood has been renamed Evvr Healthcare – removing his face and name from company the brand.
The 46-year-old was arrested on October 3 following an alleged domestic violence incident involving his wife, Snezana Wood, in Noosa.
DBG Health, which acquired 28 by Sam Wood in a $71.2 million deal in May 2022, severed its ties with the former Bachelor star three days later.
“DBG Health does not tolerate domestic violence in any form, and our thoughts are with people impacted by it,” the company said in a statement.
Other commercial partners, celebrities and former supporters were quick to follow DBG in distancing themselves.
Married at First Sight star Jules Robinson, Fitness After 40 trainer Tania Monk and actor Tammin Sursok were among those who immediately sought to distance themselves.
After Evvr Healthcare was registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission on October 22, other fitness and wellness gurus have rallied in support of the new venture.
Pilates instructor Alice Bennett stars in a video on the company’s Instagram account, which still bears the handle @28theprogram.
“In the coming weeks, you’re going to see a new name and a fresh new look,” Ms Bennett said in the video.
“We are taking all of the magic that we have built and made here together.
“Your favourite trainers, your favourite workouts that you know and love, and most importantly, this amazing community.”
Other fitness instructors to appear include Jossman Holdsworth, Miguel La Cruz Mayeye, Chloe Lorback, Max Pertzel and Zoe Klein.
The Instagram account’s biography now reads: “evvr. (formerly 28 the program)”.
Wood has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in a domestic violence context and strangulation in a domestic setting.
Wood denies the charges and will make a second application for bail in the Brisbane Supreme Court tomorrow.
An earlier application for bail on October 8 in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court was rejected.
News all day, every day at CityNewsQBN.com.au.
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