Icebergs founder Maurice Terzini resigns as son Sylvester hit with allegations
The founder of an iconic Sydney restaurant has resigned following explosive untested allegations of sexual misconduct against his son.
The founder of iconic Sydney restaurant Icebergs Dining Room and Bar has resigned following explosive, untested allegations of sexual misconduct against his son.
Icebergs Group announced the resignation of Maurice Terzini on Wednesday, saying the award-winning chef had agreed to step down as a director of the business as a review into the allegations progresses.
“Maurice Terzini has agreed to resign as a director of the Icebergs Dining room and Bar business and has stood down from any involvement in the business as we conduct an independent review of the issues raised in the SMH reports,” a spokesman for the business said.
“That review is under way.”
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Saturday Mr Terzini’s son Sylvester had engaged in sexual misconduct between 2016 and 2023.
Sylvester, 32, was employed at several of Mr Terzini’s restaurants.
Sylvester and Mr Terzini have both denied any allegations of wrongdoing, and no charges have been laid.
In a statement to Instagram from Sunday, Mr Terzini said the “allegations that have been made about one of my family members are devastating claims that have no place in our venues, industry or society”.
“There are private health matters concerning one of my family members, where professional counsel has been sought,” he said.
“The allegations are not ones against me directly yet the inferences have been hurtful and damaging to my reputation.
“Processes and resources are in place in my businesses to ensure that all of our valued and loyal staff and our much loved guests, feel safe in our environments and that issues at any time, can be raised.
“I have taken some leave to allow my family some space to ensure that my business partners can conduct the independent reviews that they deem appropriate.”
Maurice Terzini is not accused of any wrongdoing.
“As a father, my priority has always been my children,” he said.
“In this storm, my mother reminded me that sometimes as parents we act with the best intentions, but sometimes we are challenged. All parents face times of family uncertainty.”
In a statement, a NSW Police spokesman said there were a number of reporting options available to alleged victims of sexual assault.
“The NSW Police Force recognises the trauma that victims of sexual violence experience and so takes a victim-centric approach to alleged sexual assault and violence and will only investigate an alleged sexual crime as far as the victim is comfortable with,” the spokesman said.
“Police will always encourage (alleged) victims to engage with support services even if they don’t want a legal outcome.
“The priority of the NSW Police Force will always be ensuring the safety and wellbeing of (alleged) victims, and encouraging the reporting of sexual crimes so we can effectively disrupt, prevent and ultimately end sexual violence in NSW.”
Mr Terzini founded Icebergs Dining Room in Bondi in 2002 and he and his son Sylvester operated the Snack Kitchen in Potts Points until 2024.
Icebergs Group has been contacted for comment.