Luxury London estate agent hit with sexual misconduct claims

Allegations of sexual harassment and a toxic workplace culture have surfaced against George Azar, chief executive of UK Sotheby’s International Realty, based on Bloomberg reporting. Former and current staff describe inappropriate remarks at a Mayfair event in early 2025, lack of a local HR process, and prior comments downplaying HR. The claims come as the franchise has been active in high‑value London deals (including a reported >£270m sale) and grew after Azar bought the UK franchise in 2023. While the US franchisor says it does not tolerate misconduct and is looking into the reports, the revelations create reputational and operational risk for the firm and could weigh on client confidence and future deal flow in the London luxury property segment. Impact on the broader UK 100 index is likely limited, but firms tied to high‑end real estate or reliant on reputation could face localized selling or scrutiny until the matter is resolved.