J
ason Oppenheim, star of reality TV show "Selling Sunset," has denied involvement in a kickback scheme alleged by Douglas Elliman's lawsuit against former top escrow executive William Grasska. The suit claims Grasska and others paid an unnamed broker for funneling real estate business to Portfolio Escrow, with the arrangement dating back to at least 2015.

    According to Inman, Oppenheim is believed to be the unnamed broker due to emails showing commissions were sent to him from escrow officers and Portfolio Escrow. However, Douglas Elliman disputed this characterization, declining to comment on the accuracy of the report.

    Oppenheim stated he had a legitimate arrangement with Portfolio Escrow, reviewed by accountants and attorneys, which lasted around a year. He received approximately $20,000 monthly but denied receiving over $100,000 as alleged in the lawsuit. Oppenheim ended the deal after his advisor recommended it due to heavy regulations surrounding the escrow industry.

    He described using Portfolio Escrow before and after the arrangement as a "business decision" and not an attempt to circumvent regulations or engage in illicit activities. Douglas Elliman has notified authorities, including the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, about the alleged improper activities, with additional lawsuits reportedly in the works against Grasska's co-conspirators.

    Oppenheim's brokerage, The Oppenheim Group, has never added escrow services due to associated liabilities. He emphasized that brokerages often monetize escrows as a business decision, not an attempt to engage in nefarious activities.