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rosecutors have accused luxury real-estate agents Oren and Tal Alexander of sex trafficking this month, adding them to a growing list of top figures in the industry accused of sexual abuse or harassment. The brothers' alleged behavior is seen as a symptom of the industry's permissive culture, which prioritizes partying and charisma over accountability.

    The Alexander brothers have denied the allegations, but their case has prompted some in the industry to reflect on its decentralized structure and lack of uniform safety precautions. Sue Yannaccone, president and CEO of Anywhere Brands and Anywhere Advisors, said real estate needs to do more to address these issues. "Real estate is not unlike other industries that have had to reckon with a pattern of discrimination and harassment of women," she said.

    The industry's lax structure and low barrier to entry can create opportunities for bad behavior to go unchecked, according to Brian Boero, cofounder of 1000watt. With over 1.5 million agents or brokers in the United States, it's often difficult to regulate individual behavior. Many agents operate as independent contractors, with little supervision.

    The Alexander brothers' case is part of a series of accusations against major real estate players over the past year and a half. Other notable cases include allegations against eXp agents Michael Bjorkman and David Golden, who were accused of drugging and sexually assaulting female employees. The National Association of Realtors has also faced allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination.

    The industry's culture of partying and celebrating top producers can create an environment where bad behavior is overlooked. Parties are a central part of real-estate culture, often serving as opportunities for networking and deal-making. However, this can sometimes lead to uncomfortable or dangerous situations for women.

    Some in the industry are working to address these issues. Sue Yannaccone's program, What Moves Her, supports women in real-estate leadership, while Brooke Cohen is advocating for better parameters at social events. The industry as a whole still has a long way to go in creating a safe and equitable work environment for all.