Maurice Terzini resigns from Icebergs
Maurice Terzini has stepped down from the Icebergs Dining Room and Bar group amid allegations that he protected his son, Sylvester Terzini, following multiple claims of sexual assault.
The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age reported that Maurice was aware of several women who intended to press charges against Sylvester but continued to employ him across at least seven venues, including The Dolphin Hotel, Bistro George, and CicciaBella.
“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 spokesperson for the Icebergs group said. “That review is underway.”
Maurice initially told investors he was aware of only one allegation, which was dismissed in 2021. However, text messages revealed he knew of at least three more. In one, he reportedly stated: “There are three girls that still want to press charges that I know.”
Allegations against Sylvester span from 2016 to 2023, including reports of non-consensual sex, violent outbursts at work, and disturbing conduct including keeping albums full of photos of naked or semi-naked women and storing the albums at Maurice’s house. None of the alleged assaults occurred inside Maurice’s venues, but some accusers met Sylvester through his father’s businesses.
Both Maurice and Sylvester deny the allegations. Maurice stated through legal counsel that no allegations had been reported through official workplace channels. Sylvester declined to respond to specific claims but denied all allegations of violence or misconduct.
Lawyers for Maurice stated: “As far as our client is aware, our client’s businesses have no record of any allegation of sexual misconduct having been made against any of its employees or managers arising out of its venues.
Maurice’s public statement on Instagram sparked backlash for not acknowledging the alleged victims. One former associate said, “He knew, he protected [Sylvester]... He never put any consequences or punishment.”
Terzini’s statement read: “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.”
“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. The allegations are not ones against me directly, yet the inferences have been hurtful and damaging to my reputation.
“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.”
Jonathan Jackson, 26th March 2025
