Salim Mehajer threatens to sue Sydney gym over harassment claims

The controversial and newly re-elected Auburn deputy mayor has denied allegations he threatened a personal trainer at a Sydney gym, saying he plans to sue the company for damages of up to $10 million.

Salim Mehajer is accused of threatening Burwood Anytime Fitness trainer, Bruce Herat, after he was asked to stop dropping weights on the gym floor.

Mr Herat said he had been verbally abused by Mr Mehajer, who allegedly followed him to his car and threatened to kidnap his children after repeatedly asking, “don’t you know who I am?”.

Mr Herat is the father of Sydney siege survivor, Joel.

Mr Mehajer has issued a statement to 9NEWS denying the allegations and said he would urge the government to introduce legislation protecting high-profile public figures from allegations that can harm their reputations.

“I was working out peacefully on my own, using a leg stretching press, whereby I was targeted by Mr Herat,” Mr Mehajer said.

“I will urge the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to change laws to protect high profile politicians and businessmen from such allegations which can turn their career upside down in a split second.”

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione previously asked for any witnesses to the alleged incident to come forward.