Black Couple Sue Broker Over Alleged Racist Text

A Black couple relocating from Delaware to Queens say a real estate broker sent them a text reading, “Ugh, they are Black,” as they arrived for a rental showing in Flushing in June. The couple say the broker apologized and explained that she was referring to alleged problems involving previous Black tenants, but they canceled the viewing and described the incident as deeply hurtful. Lisa Renee Olaso and Cyril Christopher have sued the broker, Douglas Elliman Realty and people listed as owners of the property, alleging housing discrimination. Their attorney argues the message may point to involvement beyond the broker; Douglas Elliman said it fired the broker and has a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination. The couple later moved to Long Island.