Couple files racial discrimination lawsuit after real estate broker’s alleged “Ugh. They Are Black” text

Queens, N.Y. — A Black couple filed a racial discrimination lawsuit in Queens after a Douglas Elliman broker allegedly sent them a text that read, “Ugh. They are Black,” moments before a scheduled apartment showing.

Lisa Renee Olaso and Julian Christopher told ABC7 Eyewitness News the message arrived as they stepped out of their car to view a three‑bedroom home on 26th Avenue in Flushing. They said the text exposed bias before they met the agent.

The couple traveled from Delaware for the showing. They said they planned to relocate because Olaso secured a new job. They also said the broker had never met them in person.

Agent Apologizes but Offers Troubling Explanation

Broker Helen Tzelios allegedly intended the message for the property owner. Olaso said she confronted Tzelios, claimed the remark referred to previous Black tenants who allegedly caused problems. The couple said the explanation relied on stereotypes and deepened their hurt.

Christopher said the moment felt like “judging a book by its cover.” He said they felt unwelcome and left without entering the home. Olaso said the incident caused lasting emotional pain.

Lawsuit Targets Brokerage and Property Owners

The lawsuit names Douglas Elliman, Tzelios, and the property owners. It alleges violations of the Fair Housing Act, New York State Human Rights Law, and New York City Human Rights Law. Their attorney, Kenneth Mollins, said the text did not occur in isolation. He suggested the homeowner may have influenced the agent’s behavior.

Douglas Elliman said in a statement it has a zero‑tolerance policy for discrimination. The firm confirmed that Tzelios is no longer with the company. It also said it learned of the incident only after receiving the lawsuit.

Incident Highlights Ongoing Housing Inequities

Olaso said she shared the incident on social media before deciding to sue. She said she wanted to show how racism still affects renters. Christopher said they hoped Queens’ diversity would shield them from discrimination.

The agent apologized, but the couple says the incident caused lasting harm and violated federal and state housing laws.

Fair housing advocates say the case reflects broader issues in New York’s rental market. They note that discrimination often appears subtly. They also say renters of color face added barriers in neighborhoods with low Black populations. Only 3 percent of residents in Queens Community District 7 identify as Black, according to 2024 census data.

The couple said they want accountability and long‑term change. They said they hope the lawsuit encourages other renters to speak out. Mollins said racism often appears in everyday housing interactions. He said the case shows how bias can surface in simple moments, like a text message.