‘Devastating, damaging, hurtful’: Maurice Terzini responds to sexual assault claims against son

Icebergs Dining Room and Bar founder Maurice Terzini says claims of sexual assault against his son, Sylvester Terzini, are devastating and have no place in Australian society while arguing he is a victim of damaging attacks on his reputation.

Maurice’s former business associates as well as women who claimed they had been sexually assaulted by Sylvester responded to the statement with outrage on Sunday, a day after The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age revealed there were at least nine alleged victims of Sylvester’s sexual and violent misconduct between 2016 and 2023. Their claims include anal and oral rape. Sylvester has denied the allegations.

Maurice, who has employed Sylvester in at least seven of his restaurants over almost two decades, posted the statement on social media on Saturday night describing his son as “one of my family members”.

Maurice Terzini at Icebergs Dining Room. Credit: Janie Barrett

“Allegations that have been made about one of my family members are devastating claims that have no place in our venues, industry or society,” Maurice wrote on Instagram.

“There are private health matters concerning one of my family members where professional counsel has been sought.”

Maurice, 60, has spent the past week reassuring investors that he was aware of only one allegation against his 32-year-old son – a sexual touching without consent charge that was dismissed in 2021.

But his own text messages show he was aware of at least three other women who wanted to press charges in 2022. He also said his son and business partner had “no control” and was a “dangerous threat” to those in his personal life.

Maurice has employed Sylvester in five major restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne since 2022, including Cucina Povera Vino Vero, Jacksons on George and CicciaBella. The pair opened Snack Kitchen in Potts Point last year. Their latest venture, Billy the Pig, opened in Bondi Junction last week.

None of the alleged sexual incidents occurred inside Maurice’s venues, but several of Sylvester’s alleged victims first met Sylvester at one of the hospitality veteran’s restaurants or connected businesses.

One of Maurice’s former business associates, who asked not to be identified due to their position within the industry, said Maurice had painted himself as the victim. Maurice’s 475-word Instagram statement does not mention the alleged victims once.

“The alleged victims are the ones who were raped or threatened, not Maurice,” the former business associate said. “That’s the game he plays, always makes out he is the victim.”

One alleged victim said: “The minute he started [protecting] his son is the minute Sylvester thought he could get away with it. Daddy with big bucks no f---s to the rescue.”

Sylvester has also denied allegations of violent rages, including pulling out a knife in front of colleagues at Icebergs Dining Room and Restaurant Hubert.

The former business associate said Maurice did not understand the professional responsibility of a company director.

“He knew, he protected [him],” he said. “He never put any consequences or punishment for Sylvester. Just exit him through the back door.”

Sylvester has also been accused of keeping an album full of photos of naked or semi-naked women and storing the albums at Maurice’s house. Maurice and Sylvester denied the allegations.

In his statement, Maurice claimed there were “false references and damaging questions” in the reporting. He did not state what had been false about the reporting.

“For those who know me, they know that under no circumstances would I ever intentionally ignore violent behaviour or cover up issues within any of my businesses,” Maurice wrote. “The allegations are not ones against me directly yet the inferences have been hurtful and damaging to my reputation.”

Maurice’s hospitality network has ballooned to two dozen venues since he founded Icebergs Dining Room in Bondi more than two decades ago.

Sylvester and Maurice Terzini also worked together at Jacksons on George.Credit: Steven Siewert

“The spotlight on me and that which comes from running one of the most recognised restaurants in the world carries with it an obligation to ensure that I communicate truthfully with my much-loved industry and the community in which I have operated, for almost 40 years,” Maurice said on Saturday.

“On a personal level, as a father and an employer, I have for decades done my best to provide genuine care and opportunities to all of those around me and within my businesses.”

The alleged attacks have destroyed relationships in the industry, with several alleged victims having close ties to the family that redefined modern Italian dining in Australia.

Multiple women warned Maurice about his son’s troubling behaviour between 2018 and 2022. Former close professional and personal contacts of the Terzinis claim Maurice responded by shifting him between venues in Sydney and Melbourne. The alleged victims have described Maurice’s protection of his son as “disgusting”. Maurice has denied any inappropriate conduct.

“As a father, my priority has always been my children. In this storm, my mother reminded me that sometimes as parents we act with the best intentions, but sometimes we are challenged,” Maurice said on Saturday.

Maurice is on leave from Icebergs Dining Room as its investors launch an investigation into the allegations raised by this masthead.

Maurice founded the Bondi institution in 2002, but he is now a minority shareholder in a larger Icebergs group co-owned by hoteliers Damien Reed and Deke Miskin. The Icebergs brand has been described as “the jewel in the crown” of Maurice’s hospitality empire. Icebergs secured multimillion-dollar deals with Sydney Airport and Crown Barangaroo last year.

“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,” Maurice said on Saturday.

“My commitment to my business partners, investors, stakeholders and valued teams will continue.”

Terzini’s other investment partners, including DTL Entertainment, run by Steve Bannigan, Paul Ford and Michael Broome, have not responded to requests for comment.

If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.

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