M
ichelle Ressler, former CFO of Real Brokerage, is suing the company for alleged pregnancy-related discrimination and retaliation. According to her attorneys, Ressler was "blindsided" by her termination in April, which Real cited as misconduct. However, Ressler claims that the allegations were fabricated to justify her firing after she announced her pregnancy.

    Real's CEO Tamir Poleg allegedly made comments suggesting that Ressler couldn't be an effective CFO and a mother at the same time. He questioned her ability to perform her job after maternity leave, stating that having a baby would change her priorities. The complaint also alleges that Poleg downplayed Ressler's contributions to Real's success, which includes massive growth in revenue and agent count.

    Ressler is portrayed as a key architect of Real's rapid rise, with the company's annual revenue increasing from $16 million to over $1.3 billion during her tenure. However, Real claimed that an internal audit uncovered "gross misconduct," including eight personal charges totaling around $17,000 on Ressler's company bank card.

    Ressler disputes these allegations, stating that she was not informed of the audit or the charges prior to her firing and offered to repay the expenses, which she said were charged accidentally. She also claims that Real singled her out for discipline while failing to address similar behavior by male executives. A spokesperson for Real declined to comment on the pending litigation.