Howard Lorber, the former CEO of Douglas Elliman, made headlines upon his sudden retirement as he admitted to having intimate relationships with two brokers in the company. Among them was Jennine Gourin, previously an actress and the mother of a child believed to be Jack Nicholson's estranged daughter. This revelation is set amongst accusations of sexual harassment within the firm, although Lorber’s departure was officially deemed unrelated to any disagreements on corporate practices.
In a lengthy video call conducted by Douglas Elliman's legal team two weeks before his retirement, Lorber navigated inquiries about personal relationships and professional conduct amidst swirling allegations. Despite his resignation raising eyebrows, a corporate filing emphasized it wasn't related to disagreements over company operations. Lorber's connection with Gourin, who brokered at the firm, raised eyebrows due to their past public appearances and a significant commission earnings period for Gourin in 2013 and 2014. His lawyer argued that there was no policy against consensual relationships within the firm, leading to further discussion around boundaries in workplace conduct.
The context becomes more complex with Douglas Elliman previously under scrutiny following sexual assault allegations against renowned brokers Tal and Oren Alexander. The accusations went back to the inception of their careers in 2008, although the brothers have faced no formal charges. Their departure from the firm in 2022 subsequently led to increased internal examination, casting wider attention on past and present executive practices. During this period, Jessica Cohen, another agent involved with the company, came forward with allegations against the Alexanders from a 2010 incident. Establishing a narrative of connection, Cohen revealed a past interaction with Lorber, underscoring further complexities in the workplace dynamic.
The wider implications of Lorber's personal disclosures are shadowed by his financial forfeitures upon exit: unvested shares valued at $4.3 million and potential severance of $6.4 million were relinquished. Contextually, his conduct remained a point of contention following reviews by a special committee after an initial probe reportedly deemed insufficient. Simultaneously, Jennine Gourin’s related narrative touches the broader cultural sphere, revealing Hollywood's evasive paternity secrets involving Jack Nicholson. Her daughter, Tessa, articulates the intricacies and emotional strands tied to such familial legacies, highlighting facets seldom showcased in public domains.
Howard Lorber’s departure from Douglas Elliman adds another layer to ongoing discussions about professional ethics, relationships, and corporate governance, as seen through the lens of the firm's actions and internal examinations. These issues trace broader societal narratives surrounding power dynamics, personal responsibility, and transparency within major corporate and cultural sectors.
