Published: 16:37 BST, 27 August 2026 | Updated: 16:38 BST, 27 August 2026
The fallout from a break-up at a Sydney hairdressing salon has landed in the Fair Work Commission, following nine months of complaints alleging bullying, harassment and intimidation – and even police intervention.
Italian national Roberto Pozzato took his former employer TONI&GUY Sydney City to the FWC, alleging he was unfairly dismissed by his ex-partner and salon owner, Belinda Morton.
The Commission heard that Mr Pozzato and Ms Morton both described their relationship, which ended in November 2023, as 'unhealthy' and 'volatile'.
The pair continued living together despite their split until August 2024, when Mr Pozzato began a relationship with another stylist at the York Street salon, Megan Johnson.
Ms Johnson told the FWC that she frequently saw Ms Morton speak to Mr Pozzato in a 'harsh, belittling and dismissive way', while Mr Pozzato said his concerns raised to head office were not acted on.
Meanwhile, another hairstylist, Josh Stewart, gave evidence that he and Mr Pozzato were friends up until November 2024, when Mr Stewart formed the view that his colleague was homophobic, aggressive and had assaulted his partner – allegations Mr Pozzato strongly denied.
Mr Stewart referred to an incident in November 2024 when he claimed Ms Johnson came to him distressed, alleging Mr Pozzato had assaulted her the night before, the FWC was told.
However, Ms Johnson later disputed how this interaction had been characterised by Mr Stewart, while Mr Pozzato denied physically assaulting her.
Toni & Guy salon owner Belinda Morton (pictured) was in a relationship with Robert Pozzato until November 2023, but the pair continued living together for several months
Italian national Roberto Pozzato (pictured) took his former employer Toni & Guy to the FWC, alleging he was unfairly dismissed by his ex-partner and salon owner, Belinda Morton
Later that day, Mr Pozzato allegedly messaged Mr Stewart stating he had made a 'terrible mistake' and asked him not to tell anyone else about the incident, the FWC was told.
According to the published decision, during a December 2 staff meeting, Mr Pozzato apologised for his behaviour, which he acknowledged was a primary cause of tension in the salon.
Mr Stewart told the FWC that directly after the meeting, Mr Pozzato allegedly stood over him, puffed his chest out and said, 'Are you going to talk to me now?'
From this point, Mr Stewart claimed that Mr Pozzato's behaviour became increasingly intimidating, harassing and unprofessional, according to the judgement.
