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An Open Letter To All My Fans - Finally I am Standing up for Myself
Blog | July 14, 2013
I didn’t think that I would have to deal with this, but it came to the point when I just have to stand up for myself. It came to my attention that my soon to be ex-husband wrote a post about our marriage in which he pictured me as an abusive monster that used him to get to Los Angeles only to dump him, dump BodyRock.Tv that we’ve build together and become a star. My stomach literally turned upside down when I read all of those horrible things he wrote about me that are absolutely not true. I keep being bullied by this man who took literally everything from me.
Here is my side of the story. Freddy and I have build BodyRock.Tv a fitness/personal blog that became very successful. We traveled, had fun, shot hundreds of workout videos that went viral on youtube. BodyRock.Tv was a very successful business that was making us a lot of money. It was insane. We had everything but home. I did not want to live in Canada and my husband did not want to live in Prague. We tried a little country in Mediterranean – Malta, but it still didn’t feel like home to either of us. In 2011 we were contacted by a large talent agency and production company from Los Angeles to discuss a possible business opportunity. It sounded great and we were both excited to move to L..A.
We moved to Los Angeles in May 2011 and rented an expensive house in West Hollywood for the entire year. While we did not close a deal with the production company and did not get representation from the talent agency, we both felt strong about BodyRock.Tv and wanted to keep growing. Our relationship on the other hand was not at all in good shape. It was not because I was a monster wife that would physically and emotionally abuse my husband. We had serious issues that caused disconnection on my part. I was not happy about the creative direction of our videos and the way I was being portrait and perceived. While I was happy about the numbers on youtube and growing business I was feeling more and more embarrassed about my sexualized image. Don’t get me wrong, I like sexy, and confident, but I don’t enjoy having camera close up my cleavage and elsewhere. That was also a reason why we did not get any sponsorships or representation by any large talent agency despite of the popularity online. I felt like our goals were different. I wanted a clean family friendly blog that people wouldn’t be embarrassed to share with their friends, and Freddy wanted to see bigger numbers. I felt like I was being controlled in every aspect of my life. I didn’t even have my own cellphone for the first few months in Los Angeles. Apparently it wasn’t needed. If anyone wanted to talk to me, they can call my husbands cell phone.
Another issue in our relationship was our intimacy. I was not as physical with my husband as he wanted me to be which led to frustrations on his part and disappointment and disconnection on mine. I couldn’t get a hug from him to be comforted, without him being sexual with me. I could no longer imagine to have family with this man. I knew that I would not be able to look into my children’s eyes and tell them that their dad is the love of my life.
I decided that the best thing for both of us would be to separate as a couple and remain best friends and business partners. While I can’t deny that Freddy was devastated by my decision, it was not true that he had to leave to his home town in Canada. I told him that our house was big enough for both of us. We had two separate bedrooms. I offered him that I would help him to get through the changes and that I would not be the first one to date other people if he decides to stay. I wanted him to be happy and I wanted us to keep growing BodyRock.Tv.
He decided to leave me in Los Angeles and went back to his home town in Canada with his family. I was fine with that and I have to say that I felt relieved and was excited for the new beginnings. Freddy and I were in touch every day and talked about BodyRock.Tv and how we are going to continue as business partners. We agreed on bringing in other girls as hosts of the workout videos. However my idea of hiring a camera guy to shoot my workout videos was denied by my husband. No one was allowed to shoot videos of me. That’s why you could see me doing only short intros to the workouts having my camera on tripod. I was also doing some nutrition and diet posts, but I felt very limited by not having anyone to help me. We were both feeling overwhelmed by the change, because we were used to working together and we were very good at working together.
Things got very tough when his new girlfriend Lisa Marie came to the picture. While I thought that him having a new girlfriend, a person that will be there for him, will make things a lot easier, I was wrong. Up until then, we were friends, partners and we were getting along. If you were following BodyRock.Tv back then you must have noticed that I have basically vanished right after her very first post. In December 2011, Freddy’s attitude towards me changed completely. He became incredibly mean, he denied me an access to BodyRock.Tv and all the social media we’ve build together. Since I had no access to our Canadian business account, and owned only 49% of the company, I was relying on him to pay me monthly dividends. My future was completely in his hands. When I asked for my dividends he told me to first sign a non-compete agreement. What that means is that I wouldn’t be allowed to ever have my own fitness blog or to ever do a workout video online. I felt like I was being controlled again and threatened on top of that. It was never my intension to leave BodyRock.Tv. I was forced to leave to keep my independence and dignity. He told me to lawyer up and the last email I got from him stated exactly this: “I want you to sell the company car that your mom is using. Aww, isn’t it horrible that your mom that has nothing won’t even have the car?” That my friends right there was the end of our friendship. I couldn’t believe it. Of course I did not sell the car and my mom still has it.
What happened next is that he wrote a post on BodyRock.Tv that would portray me as a bad person that betrayed him in every possible way. He wrote that he was being forced and manipulated to write the post about us breaking up. That was the post with the picture of us sitting on the front step of the house in West Hollywood. Just to let you know, nobody was forcing him to write what he did. While I was pushing for him to post the truth about us not being a couple, he wanted to write it in his own words and told me not to let anyone know that I left him. I was fine with that.
At that time, I decided that I will not give up and that I will continue doing what I love and he or nobody else will ever stop me. I contacted Darren from Watch it now entertainment, explained him the entire situation and asked him if he wants to be my partner. We clicked as friends immediately and we were on the same page when it comes to fitness, blogging and my image as a trainer. I got hired by his company and got my work visa instantly. After that, you know the story. We started shooting ZWOWs and I tried to get back on my feet. I can never thank Darren and his team at Watch It Now Entertainment enough, who all helped me when I had absolutely nothing. I am also forever thankful to my boyfriend who stood by me the entire time and gave me the kind of love and home that I have always dreamed off.
I filed for divorce in January 2012, however I am still waiting for the divorce to happen, because my husband is way too power hungry and wants my 49% of BodyRock.Tv which he thinks is worth his signature on our divorce papers and nothing more. I was also threatened by a letter from his lawyer that I might be deported back to Czech Republic if I won’t stop doing ZWOWS and sign the non-compete agreement with BodyRock.Tv. I guess he assumed that I didn’t get my visa.
I have received way more abuse from him in the form of online bullying. He said so many bad things about me on his Facebook and other social media and I have never stood up for myself. For some weird reason I thought that he is really not that kind of person and that maybe he’s just very hurt that I left him. I thought that he is being like that because he’s probably suffering. Now it got to the point that I am hundred percent certain that all that crap he writes about me is his cover up to justify the fact that he took everything from me and have been actively trying to destroy my career and my online presence. Here he is again with another post trying to hurt me. He didn’t take the most important part of me though–my faith, love, and will power.
Private Member |
Hi Zuzka. I was an avid “Bodyrocker” since the very beginning of the site (actually I started following you on YouTube when you did those ‘sexy yoga moves’ workout videos), although I didn’t comment much. I remember everything you’re talking about as it changed things for me. When you started doing only nutrition posts, I knew you’d probably leave soon, but I never imagined this was how it was happening. When you left Bodyrock I was lost. I left the site as I didn’t connect with that Lisa-Marie girl at all (even though we’re both Brits) and had to rebuild my whole workout routine and try to find a trainer I connected with. You have no idea how happy I was to stumble upon a little thing called ZWOW on YouTube, and have been a warrior ever since!
I didn’t think I could admire and look up to you any more than I already did. Until this post. You’ve just proven to me my decision to leave Bodyrock was the right one, as I’d never want to be associated with people who view us “clients” as nothing more than dollar signs, and would step on anyone to get more money.
I wish you success and happiness for the future, and you can be sure that my friends and I will be supporting you always. Hope your ex will read this & maybe get it through his skull that true success comes from generosity & kindness, not greed.
Private Member |
The true measure of a person is how they handle the good with the bad. In relationships, it is said that the leaver is years ahead of the left. With that being said, it does not give the left the excuse to be disrespectful and spiteful. Obviously Freddy was/is insecure. Control is what insecure people do. Without Zuzka who is Freddy? Seriously, where would he be? More than likely he realized this and his fear became reality.
Private Member |
Hugs & Kisses Zuz.. you are a strong gal.. think of this as small bump on the road.. All the best .. XOXO
Private Member |
Zuzanko, mas muj neskonalej obdiv. Jsi skvela zena, vim o tve minulosti a je uzasne, co jsi dokazala a hlavne ze jsi se se vsim poprala a nenechas se zastrasovat. Tva stranka je opravdu moc hezka a konecne se nemusim stydet, kdyz nekdo nahodou jde kolem a vidi par shotu z tvych videii … uz je jasne, ze jde o fitness a ne o fotky poprsi a pozadi. Skvela prace, krasny usmev, pozitivni mysleni a laskava duse, to jsi ty 🙂
Private Member |
I have always enjoyed watching your workouts and you are very inspiring, friendly, and wholesome. My husband is similar to your ex and I am currently going through a divorce as well. I wish you all the best and always knew that you weren’t the person he portrayed you as. I just had a baby and I’m looking forward to start your workouts again to get into shape! I have also introduced my sister to your workouts and we will be doing them together. Can’t wait to how you my before and after pics! Stay just as you are! You are a beautiful, confident woman with so many who look up to you and enjoy the workouts you provide. Thank you for all you do!!
Private Member |
BTW your attorney can use online testimonials in your favor, from your clients saying they switched to Zwow from Bodyrock because they like your camera, image, and workout style better.
Private Member |
Before I read this, I decided to go and read Freddy’s post first..I honestly sensed that all he wanted in that post is more advertisement for himself, to get people’s attention to him. That is PATHETIC.
My lovely Zuska, I’ve been following you for so long, and I am a woman too and know how you can feel. I have to say THANK YOU for standing up for yourself and most importantly for not giving up. While you were away from your home and family, and devastated, you still had the courage to continue and face him; and that is why you gained so much love from people.
Private Member |
Zuzka,
You are such a huge inspiration to me. You are so optimistic, and you help me push through the plateaus. I really only discovered you because of bodyrock, which I discovered in the summer of 2012, which by then, your videos were dated. After several months of trying to find your videos only, because the new ones felt like pornos and not workout vids, my friend told me you had your own site. That was last October, and since then, you are the only one I need to follow.
You are an inspiration. Especially because you are honest about the road you’ve taken. Others want to tell lies to try to spin things their direction. Don’t worry, we know 🙂 You are awesome.
Private Member |
Zuzana,
I saw the bullying since it first began. I was still a fan on facebook of their page and saw the put downs towards your own workouts. I hope that this negativity does not overwhelm you. Remain positive, since there is nothing good that can come from negativity.
I’m still a strong supporter in you. Keep doing what you do best, making kick ass workouts!
Love and Peace
Private Member |
I’m behind you 100% keep doing what you love doing and the rest doesn’t matter anymore. Enjoy your new life and focus more on what you enjoy doing. I enjoy doing all your workouts, keep up the good work. Continue being a strong woman, life can only get better from now on.