**Sexually Charged Work Culture Probe Leads to Leadership Shake-Up at Douglas Elliman**

The recent departure of Howard Lorber from Douglas Elliman comes in the wake of a board-commissioned investigation revealing a sexually charged work culture within the real estate giant. Lorber, who served as executive chairman, resigned on Monday, concluding a tenure of over 20 years. The $170 million realty firm, prominent in New York, Florida, and Southern California, attributed Lorber's exit to retirement, though reports suggest he was compelled to step down.

Adding to the shake-up, Scott Durkin, the president and CEO of Douglas Elliman's brokerage business, was also dismissed last Friday, with no reasons disclosed in the company’s SEC filings. In response to these leadership changes, the company's shares saw a notable rise of over 3.5% at the start of Monday's trading on Wall Street.

The scrutiny of Douglas Elliman's workplace began earlier this year following allegations that former star brokers, Tal and Oren Alexander, sexually assaulted over 30 women since their tenure began in 2008. The company's board initiated a probe, initially led by attorney Marc Kasowitz. However, due to Kasowitz's close ties with Lorber, the review was later deemed insufficient.

A subsequent investigation unearthed broader issues within the company, leading to heightened pressure on Lorber. This development, coupled with Douglas Elliman's stark financial decline—from a market capitalization of $900 million in late 2021 to $170 million as of Monday—played a significant role in the board's decision to seek new leadership.

The Alexander brothers, who left Douglas Elliman in 2022 to establish Official Partners, denied the allegations against them. Nonetheless, they are now facing at least three lawsuits and an FBI investigation. The lawsuits, involving claims of rape, assault, and harassment, date back to incidents from as early as 2010.

Prompting the investigation into the work culture at Douglas Elliman, claims by notable agents, including reality TV broker Tracy Tutor and Manhattan-based realtor Jessica Cohen, allege their drinks were spiked by the Alexander brothers during their time with the firm.

Tal Alexander's attorney, Deanna Paul, maintained that no formal complaints were lodged with the company’s human resources department about the brothers. In contrast, Jim Ferraro, representing the Alexanders, described the allegations as part of a "total shakedown."