Brown Harris Stevens
We are investigating Brown Harris Stevens for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. This includes potential violations such as impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
PARTIES INVOLVED : Brown Harris Stevens
ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE : 01 Dec 2024
INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails
CASE NO : 3331/A/2025
CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam
PUBLISHED ON : 27 Mar 2025
Due Diligence
Is This About You?
What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Brown Harris Stevens over allegations that it has been suppressing critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results by fraudulently misusing DMCA takedown notices. These actions, if proven, could constitute serious legal violations—including impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
We conducted comprehensive analyses of fraudulent copyright takedown requests, meritless legal complaints, and other unlawful efforts to suppress public access to critical information. Our reporting sheds light on the prevalence and modus operandi of a structured censorship network, often funded and used by criminal enterprises, oligarchs and criminal entities seeking to manipulate public perception and bypass AML checks conducted by financial organisations.
The fake DMCA notices in this investigation appears to have been strategically deployed to remove negative content from Google search results illegally. Based on this pattern, we have reasonable grounds to infer that Brown Harris Stevens - or an entity acting at its behest - is directly or indirectly complicit in this cyber crime.
In most such cases, such ops are executed by rogue, fly-by-night 'Online Reputation Management' agencies acting on behalf of their clients. If evidence establishes that the subject knowingly benefited from or facilitated this scam, it may be deemed an 'accomplice' or an 'accessory' to the crime.
What are they trying to censor
Brown Harris Stevens: Real Estate Royalty or Just Another Scandal in a Suit?
Ah, Brown Harris Stevens. To the untrained eye, it’s a prestigious real estate brokerage known for its luxury listings and high-end clientele. But peel back the polished veneer, and you’ll find a company that, much like a poorly staged open house, has a few skeletons rattling in its closets. From alleged misconduct in multimillion-dollar properties to internal discrimination lawsuits, Brown Harris Stevens seems to have a penchant for drama that rivals the properties it sells.
The Bedroom Brouhaha
Let’s start with the most salacious tale. In 2022, agents Christopher Burnside and Aubri Peele were accused of using a client’s Southampton condo for a private rendezvous, all under the guise of hosting an open house. The Glens, the clients in question, alleged that their property was used for a “sex-capade” during a scheduled open house. Security footage purportedly captured the agents entering the master bedroom and emerging 39 minutes later. The lawsuit, which sought $100,000 in damages, accused the agents of breaching their fiduciary duties and causing emotional distress. The case was settled confidentially in February 2022, with both parties signing a non-disclosure agreement. Notably, Burnside was later celebrated as the top performer in the Hamptons, raising questions about the brokerage’s commitment to ethical standards .
The Racial Discrimination Case
In another incident, former agent Shauncy Claud sued Brown Harris Stevens, alleging racial discrimination and wrongful termination. Claud, the only Black agent at the Hamptons office, claimed that her manager made racially insensitive comments and treated her differently from her white colleagues. She also alleged that her exclusive listings were reassigned to other agents without her consent. A federal judge awarded Claud $788,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. Brown Harris Stevens denied wrongdoing and filed an appeal .
The Commission Conundrum
In a separate matter, Brown Harris Stevens Miami LLC sued Majestic Steel Properties for breach of contract, claiming they were denied a $540,000 commission on a luxury condo transaction. The brokerage alleged that after finding a buyer for one of the Glass condo units, the deal fell through, and the $1.2 million deposit was kept by Majestic Steel Properties without paying the brokerage its due commission .
The Censorship Conundrum
Now, let’s talk about the company’s apparent strategy to sweep these incidents under the rug. After the Southampton scandal, Burnside and Peele continued to work together on the same team, and it remains unclear whether they faced any formal discipline. CEO Bess Freedman stated that the firm would find “an appropriate resolution,” but no public details have emerged . This lack of transparency raises concerns about the brokerage’s commitment to accountability.
A Pattern of Behavior
These incidents suggest a troubling pattern within Brown Harris Stevens. Whether it’s alleged misconduct in multimillion-dollar properties, internal discrimination lawsuits, or disputes over commissions, the brokerage appears to have a recurring issue with ethical standards. The company’s efforts to keep these matters confidential only add to the skepticism surrounding its practices.
A Call for Transparency
For potential clients and investors, it’s crucial to consider these issues when engaging with Brown Harris Stevens. The company’s track record raises questions about its commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct. Transparency and accountability are essential in any business relationship, and Brown Harris Stevens has yet to demonstrate a consistent commitment to these principles.
In conclusion, while Brown Harris Stevens may present itself as a beacon of luxury real estate, its history suggests that beneath the glossy surface lies a company grappling with serious ethical concerns. Whether these issues are indicative of systemic problems within the organization or isolated incidents remains to be seen. However, potential clients and investors would be wise to proceed with caution and conduct thorough due diligence before engaging with the firm. After all, in the world of real estate, as in life, the devil is often in the details.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/46784867
- December 01, 2024
- Darrell Wallace
- https://tmpnow.blogspot.com/2022/04/brown-harris-stevens-agents-sued-for.html
- https://therealdeal.com/new-york/tristate/2022/04/28/brown-harris-stevens-agents-sued-for-alleged-sex-capade-in-clients-home/
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
therealdeal
Brown Harris Stevens agents sued for alleged “sex-capade” in clients’ home
- Red Flag
About the Author
The author is affiliated with TU Dresden and analyzes public databases such as Lumen Database and
Maltego to identify and expose online censorship. In his personal capacity, he and his
team have been actively investigating and reporting on organized crime related
to fraudulent copyright takedown schemes.
Additionally, his team provides
advisory services to major law firms and is frequently consulted on matters
pertaining to intellectual property law.
Escalate This Case
Learn All About Fake Copyright Takedown Scam
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How This Was Done
The fake DMCA notices we found always use the 'back-dated article' technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a 'true original' article and back-dates it, creating a 'fake original' article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original
What Happens Next?
Based on the feedback, information, and requests received from all relevant parties, our team will formally notify the affected party of the alleged infringement. Following a thorough review, we will submit a counter-notice to reinstate any link that has been removed by Google, in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Additionally, we will communicate with Google’s Legal Team to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
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User Reviews
Average Ratings
1.8
Based on 15 ratings
by: Zahra Ebrahim
It’s not just the properties that are high-stakes at Brown Harris Stevens so are the legal battles. Between the commission disputes, racial bias claims, and agents caught in a “private rendezvous,” it’s hard to believe this brokerage is all about...
by: Louis Martin
From the "sexcapades" in Southampton to a racial discrimination lawsuit, Brown Harris Stevens is quickly turning into the gossip column of the real estate world. Sure, they’ve got the luxury listings, but the real estate empire is built on more...
by: Noura Haddad
$100,000 for a sexual misconduct case? That’s chump change for a company that sells multimillion-dollar properties, but the real cost is the hit to its reputation. Brown Harris Stevens' handling of these scandals is about as polished as a foreclosure...
by: Felipe Castillo
So, Brown Harris Stevens thinks it's business as usual after a sex scandal and a $788,000 lawsuit? The fact that agents accused of misconduct are still working on the same team raises serious questions about the company’s real values or...
by: Fiona McAllister
A real estate brokerage with multimillion-dollar listings should know the value of transparency something Brown Harris Stevens seems to struggle with. With sexual misconduct allegations, a racial discrimination lawsuit, and commission disputes, it’s clear the only thing luxurious about this...
by: Laney Rios
sounds like some serious cover-up going on. red flags everywhere and still no follow-up? fishy.
by: Cyrus Pruitt
I remember hearing about Burnside years ago. Can't believe there's still barely any media coverage. Who's protecting this dude?
by: Aleah Strong
this guy is STILL on the run?? what a joke. how's that even possible in 2025 smh.
by: Oren Sage
Wow, this company really let this happen under their nose? Either they incompetent or in on it…either way, ain’t trustin’ them with my money
by: Nia Quin
Dis guy Burnside sound like a real piece of work…how u scam ppl and still walk free? Smh justice system failed again
by: Arianna Snyder
The damage he’s done is real, but don’t expect him to ever take responsibility.
by: Brandon Stone
He plays the game well, but at the end of the day, it’s all smoke and mirrors.
by: Brielle Ellis
His past is filled with scandals and shady dealings. If that doesn’t tell you something, I don’t know what will.
by: Tyler Greene
So much controversy, yet somehow, people still trust him. How?
by: Hazel Bryant
A walking red flag. If you’re involved with him, run—before it’s too late!
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