San Francisco: Side Sues Alexander Brothers for Breach of Contract Amid Legal Turmoil

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In a dramatic turn of events, the Alexander brothers, Tal and Oren, are now facing a new legal challenge as the white-label brokerage Side has filed a lawsuit against them for breach of contract. This comes on the heels of multiple lawsuits this summer alleging serious sexual misconduct against the brothers, igniting a firestorm of controversy surrounding their luxury real estate firm, Official Partners.

The lawsuit was lodged on Friday in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing saga. Side claims that the Alexanders and their firm failed to repay a promissory note and comply with a security agreement dating back to August 2022. These documents purportedly stipulate that Official Partners was to pay Side a principal amount, along with interest, as outlined in the agreement. The brothers also signed the note as personal guarantors, which adds a layer of accountability to their obligations.

In a statement released through their attorney, James P. Cinque, the brothers denied the allegations, asserting, “Official Partners has never missed a payment. This lawsuit is an incredibly greedy attempt by Side to take over the business of Official Partners.” Their words reflect a growing tension and an atmosphere thick with allegations and counterclaims.

As the gravity of the sexual assault allegations against them emerged, Tal and Oren parted ways with the other co-founders of Official Partners—Nicole Oge, Andrew Wachtfogel, and Richard Jordan—who sought to distance themselves from the brothers. The fallout resulted in the Alexanders stepping back from their roles, and their licenses with Side becoming inactive. According to the lawsuit, this dissociation was carried out with the brothers’ “full knowledge and consent.”

Negotiations between Side and the Alexanders reportedly fell through, prompting Oge, Wachtfogel, and Jordan to forfeit their ownership in Official Partners and formally exit the firm on August 15.

The complaint outlines that in mid-July, Side demanded payment from Official, which allegedly refused. Furthermore, Side insisted that the Alexanders fulfill their obligations under the security agreement. While the complaint names only Tal and Oren Alexander as defendants, it mentions their former co-founders, who are not legally implicated in this lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Side emphasized that when the loan agreement was initially extended in 2022 and subsequently renegotiated in April 2024, they had no knowledge of the allegations against the Alexander brothers. “We would not have entered into a financial agreement and continued doing business with them, had we known,” the spokesperson stated.

Given the failure to meet their demands, Side felt compelled to pursue legal action. They are seeking damages for the unpaid balance of the promissory note, accrued interest, attorneys' fees, and a jury trial. Additionally, they have requested that the court issue orders that have yet to be disclosed.

As the legal complexities unfold, this case serves as a stark reminder of the intertwining narratives of personal conduct and professional obligations within the business world. The Alexanders, who previously enjoyed a decade-long tenure at Douglas Elliman before launching Official Partners in 2022, now find themselves navigating a turbulent landscape filled with allegations that challenge their reputations and the viability of their business.