Maurice Terzini speaks out following allegations made against his son Sylvester
Famous hospitality figure Maurice Terzini has broken his silence about sexual misconduct allegations made against his son Sylvester Terzini.
NSW
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Famous hospitality figure Maurice Terzini has spoken for the first time since untested allegations regarding his son Sylvester came to light, and says he will stand by his son.
His statement follows media reports that air claims Sylvester Terzini engaged in sexual misconduct over several years, which Sylvester has vigorously denied and labelled as false.
“Allegations that have been made about one of my family members are devastating claims that have no place in our venues, industry or society,” Mr Terzini said in a statement issued on Saturday.
“There are private health matters concerning one of my family members, where professional counsel has been sought.”
Maurice Terzini, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, says he will continue to support his son while an internal investigation takes place.
“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.”
Maurice Terzini’s comments follow allegations in The Sydney Morning Herald that Sylvester Terzini engaged in concerning sexual misconduct between 2016 and 2023.
According to the reports there are at least nine women who made have made claims of sexual misconduct against Sylvester Terzini. Sylvester has denied the allegations and has not been charged.
The Sunday Telegraph does not suggest the claims against Sylvester are true, only that the claims have been made.
Maurice Terzini said that given his profile, he has wrongly become collateral damage.
“The allegations are not ones against me directly yet the inferences have been hurtful and damaging to my reputation,” he said.
“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.”
Maurice Terzini also denies claims made by the Herald that he was aware of the complaints made against his son.
“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,” he said.
“There have been false references and damaging questions raised publicly about me.
“For those who know me, they know that under no circumstance would I ever intentionally ignore violent behaviour or cover up issues within any of my businesses.”
Terzini said on Saturday that the industry he had been a part of for more than 40 years still supported him.
“It is with genuine gratitude that I extend my thanks to all of those in the industry and beyond who have reached out to me over the past week which has been a particularly devastating time for me, my family and for those closest to me,” he said.
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Originally published as Maurice Terzini speaks out following allegations made against his son Sylvester
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