a day ago
Final nail in the coffin for embattled Icebergs boss Maurice Terzini after his son was accused of sexual assault
Hospitality king Maurice Terzini has sold the last of his remaining shares in Bondi's iconic Icebergs restaurant just months after he resigned as director.
The celebrity restaurateur, 60, stood down from his position in March after sexual assault claims were levelled against his 32-year-old son, Sylvester.
'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 Icebergs group said in a statement.
'That review is underway.'
Maurice and Sylvester Terzini have both denied the accusations that were first reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.
Despite stepping down as a director, Mr Terzini continued as a shareholder of Icebergs until it was revealed on Monday that his 120 shares had been sold.
Mr Terzini declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday.
This publication has reached out to the companies for comment.
When allegations from nine women against Sylvester Terzini emerged in March, his father shared a statement on Instagram about the impact the claims had on his family.
None of the allegations were alleged to have occurred at the restaurant venues.
'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 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.'
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar (pictured) launched in investigation into the allegations in March
Mr Terzini also denied claims made by the Sydney Morning Herald that he knew about the complains made against his son.
On Sunday, Mr Terzini's ex-wife and jewellery designer Emma Addams claimed that he had been aware of sexual assault allegations against his son.
'Yes, he was aware of sexual allegations against Sylvester,' she told Channel Nine's 60 Minutes program.
In 2023, less than a year after their extravagant wedding in Bondi, Mr Terzini and Ms Addams parted ways.
The pair had celebrated their nuptials at the Bondi Icebergs venue, which Mr Terzini described as his 'spiritual home', surrounded by their closest family and friends.
In response to Ms Addams' claims, Mr Terzini's lawyers told the network 'he cannot recall any such warning' about his son's behaviour in his restaurants.
'Our client cannot be expected to review all of his records and recall every conversation he has ever had about his son,' they said.
'One person made allegations against Sylvester that were tested in court, were found to be unreliable and contradictory, and resulted in the dismissal of the charge subject of the allegations.
'Our client has been in business more than 35 years and is, on any view, one of Australia's most successful restaurateurs.'
Coming from working-class migrants, Mr Terzini founded Icebergs and has been the driving force behind its success. His other business ventures continue to operate.
