Hospitality king Maurice Terzini has broken cover just hours after announcing his resignation as director of Bondi’s iconic Icebergs restaurant.
The celebrity restaurateur, 60, stood down from his position after untested sexual assault claims were levelled against his son, 32-year-old Sylveser Terzini.
Mr Terzini, who founded internationally renowned Icebergs in 2002, said on Sunday he would continue to support his son despite nine women coming forward with sexual misconduct claims.
But it was announced in a statement from the restaurant group on Wednesday that Mr Terzini would be stepping down as director.
‘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 Icebergs group said in a statement.
‘That review is underway.’
Maurice and Sylvester Terzini have both denied the accusations that were first reported in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Mr Terzini looked downcast as he grabbed a coffee and took a phone call in the affluent Sydney suburb of Rose Bay on Wednesday.
Maurice Terzini has been pictured looking as if he has the world on his shoulders, just hours after resigning as director of the Icebergs Dining room and Bar business
Maurice Terzini (pictured) was wearing a black tracksuit and carrying a large leather bag
Maurice Terzini (right) is pictured with his son Sylvester Terzini
Wearing a black tracksuit and black sandals and carrying a leather bag over his shoulder, Mr Terzini appeared deep in thought.
At one point he answered his phone – one of the great number of calls he has undoubtedly been receiving in recent days.
In a statement posted to Instagram on Sunday, Mr Terzini spoke about the impact the allegations had on him and his family.
‘Allegations that have been made about one of my family members are devastating claims that have no place in our venues, industry or society,’ he said.
‘There are private health matters concerning one of my family members, where professional counsel has been sought.
‘As a father, my priority has always been my children.
Mr Terzini appeared deep in thought as he sipped a takeaway coffee in Rose Bay
At one point a downcast Mr Terzini answered a phone call during his errands
Maurice Terzini founded Sydney’s renowned Bondi Icebergs restaurant in 2002
‘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.’
Mr Terzini said that given his profile in the hospitality industry, he had become collateral damage.
‘The allegations are not ones against me directly yet the inferences have been hurtful and damaging to my reputation,’ he continued.
‘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.’
Mr Terzini also denied claims made in the Sydney Morning Herald that he knew about the complaints made against his son, who has worked in several of his restaurants.
‘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.
Mr Terzini (pictured at the Good Food Guide Awards in 2017) said that given his profile in the hospitality industry, he had become collateral damage
The iconic restaurant overlooks the Bondi Icebergs pool and Bondi Beach
‘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.’
Mr Terzini said the restaurant industry he had been a part of for more than four decades continued to support 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.
Despite stepping down as a director, Mr Terzini continues as a shareholder of the business.
Coming from working class migrants, he founded Icebergs and has been the driving force behind its success.
He will remain on leave until an internal review at Icebergs is complete and he will assess matters with the other shareholders after that.
Mr Terzini’s other business ventures continue to operate.
