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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 |
How come i missed this post… just saw it. Well me too, i follow you too since bodyroc.tv 🙂 lost interest in bodyrock.tv right when you left. thought to give it a chance but,it wasn’t even comparable to your videos. I remember you had a post on bodyrock or fb asking if the videos weren’t too sexual… Freddy’s videos are still too sexual wethere its the way they shoot or even the name of the video… besides Looked to me like Freddy or Lisa tried to change Lisa’s look with all her plastic surgeries to look like you… lol
I was so happy to see you coming back and I follow you since the first “friday 13” comeback workout 🙂
Your videos have been so helpful to me personally, not only in getting fit, your video talks and tips were incoureging me to keep working out and get myself to live a better life than i had that period of time.
I was so proud of you hearing about the Zgym, following you for years and its inspiring see you succeed. will keep following you!
Private Member |
Im sorry to hear that. Its always hard when people try to blame others for there wrong doing. Im going through the same with a family member. Just always remember it is them and they always need someone to blame to make themselves feel better. As long as in your heart you know the truth. Love your videos. Just became a zgym member. Thanks for all you do. Your a great person.
xoxo Marlene
Private Member |
Hi Suzana, it is clear from your videos, that you are a beautiful person. You have not become hard and cynical after your experiences of your youth, but you have managed to keep that beautiful and innocent smile. I don’t practise your exercise programme, but sometimes just love to watch you speak, so passionate about your programmes and life, and still a bit shy in front of the camera. (oh and of course I love your accent !!!)
You are a wonderful person and Freddy is obviously very hurt and only wants to get even with you. I don’t like the image of body rock, this girl Lisa Marie has transformed from a fresh and sympathetic person into a sex doll doing some exercises. Horrible to see, I feel sorry for her and for Freddy, he doesn’t need to do this. You both loved eachother very much and then things changed… but that’s life. I hope that Freddy can come to his senses and stop focussing on the negative and that you will be free from any harassment or negativity from him. Also please make sure you protect yourself in every way, legal etc… I hope you will keep having the success that you have now, you very much deserve it. The Body Rock success was ALL due to your great personality !!
Private Member |
zuzka.. it sickens me to read what freddy wrote…hopefully by now you have some good lawyers..i would absolutely file a slander lawsuit.. he thought he could just replace you, but you were bodyrock.. then he tried to sabotage you and your site.. now he’s pulled out a very sensitive topic to try and gain sympathy,, but no way in heck was it you abusing him,, years ago..i watched your videos ,the early bodyrock ones.. and you always seemed so sad..but kind,, but like,, you were trying to put on a happy face.. zuzana,, you are amazing!. thank you for posting a response.. the truth will set you free.
Private Member |
I just saw this today and I must say I suspected just what you made clear here. It is terrible when you love someone and they become a total control freak. I had an idea that is why you left. Good for you!! I am 51yrs old and started with you about 2 yrs ago. I think you are a great motivator!! If you were my own daughter I would be so proud of you..so proud of the strong woman you are! May God bless and watch over you always!
Private Member |
I am glad you have stood up for yourself and shared your side of the story. It is very good and loyal of you to your fans. I am relatively new to BodyRock and Zwow but know that much that BodyRock was huge with you in it.
I didn’t want to openly use bodyrock or share it with others cause of the intimate and sexy portation of you. Then suddenly you disappeared and we had no idea why. I was sad. Then suddenly Zwow comes along, GREAT JOB!! I am excited to learn to use Zwow.
Great job in standing up for yourself and working hard for what you have made.
Money does horrible things to people. That you can see in what happened to your ex husband.
I wish you all the success, happiness and peace. I hope you can peacefully keep on doing what you love.
Keep up the great work!!
<3
Private Member |
Zuzka!!! I wondered where you went to I just assumed you made your own Chanel this whole time, had no idea you were working under a tyrant! So sorry for what you are going through and on top of that having your Very soon to be ex husband dragging you through the mud. If you want to keep your 49% then you keep it!!! Don’t let him rule over you. I’m wondering why it was not 50/50?!?! Stay strong Zuzka, there are SO many people commenting on his trashy blog post that are in your favor. People are noticing he is on the constant attack towards you. I think he’s just trying to drum up more sympathy towards himself to try and stay on top with bodyrock. Also good for you for not letting him film you in such a provocative way. I noticed as Lisa and him got more serious the videos turned into something very sexual. Lots of crotch shots and breasts. I also wonder if he had a big part of her getting breast implants. Tons of people commented on all the butt, crotch, breasts pictures that they were very inappropriate and I do believe they lost a lot of business because of it. I stopped sharing their videos because I was too embarrassed by the screen shot AND the sexually charged video titles. I just want a clean workout plan! Is that too much to ask for?
Private Member |
I love you!!! Your warm, positive energy, genuine interest in wellness and amazing workouts are the only WHOLE package. No crumbs.
Private Member |
Hi Zuzka, you are the best and don’t anyone bring you down. you are my hero so to speak, after watching one of your youtube videos,seeing your strength and zest, i was hooked. started watching bodyrock.tv and the day you left, i just took all the workouts which you had posted and left the site. just keep doing what you are doing gal, people will talk but that should not bother you.You are beautiful inside out and you have many people who look up to you, who care and love you and will offer support where needed. you did not just get fans, you also got friends and a large family around the would. (am from Africa by the way) be blessed. Thanks for sharing, we did not know what happened
Private Member |
He was probably just upset that he was getting non-stop comments on his videos saying nobody is as good as zuzana! And still gets them to this day. Nobody likes Lisa Marie. You were the face of body rock. Nobody would know body rock if it weren’t for you, he knows that and I’m sure it drives him crazy. You deserve more than 49 percent.