Ryan Serhant Spills the Tea on 'Owning Manhattan' Drama: Did Jonathan Plan His Own Firing?
Ryan Serhant, the charismatic founder of Serhant. Real Estate, is not holding back when it comes to addressing Jonathan Normolle's shocking firing in the Season 1 finale of "Owning Manhattan."
In a candid chat on Page Six's "Virtual Reali-Tea" podcast, the 40-year-old real estate mogul dismisses Normolle's assertion that he engineered his own dismissal from the agency as unbelievable.
"I haven't really spoken out about this, but let's just say the facts speak for themselves. It's like the truth was playing out on a global Netflix series," Serhant quips.
Reflecting on the incident, Serhant shares an interesting perspective on controlling one's narrative, drawing parallels to his interactions with clients on the show.
"When clients agree to be on the show, they often express concerns about how they will be portrayed. My advice to them is simple: don't say things that will make you look bad," he explains.
The drama unfolded when Normolle, 27, and his colleague Jessica "Jess" Markowski engaged in a podcast episode where he made disparaging remarks about their coworkers, leading to a tense confrontation with Serhant atop The Edge at Hudson Yards, culminating in his termination.
Recalling the uncomfortable moment, the "Million Dollar Listing New York" star emphasizes that his intention is never to hire someone with the expectation of firing them.
Normolle, however, claimed in a recent interview that he orchestrated his own firing to nullify contractual obligations, a move he believed would set him free from certain commitments.
Whether Normolle's exit was premeditated or not, Serhant stands by his decision, asserting that speaking ill of colleagues crossed a line that warranted consequences.
As the head of a team of approximately 750 individuals, Serhant acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a positive work environment and upholding professional standards.
Despite the fallout, Serhant hints at the possibility of Normolle's return to the agency in future seasons of "Owning Manhattan," drawing from his own experience in the entertainment industry where unexpected comebacks are not uncommon.
"I once played a character on a soap opera who met a dramatic end, only to be resurrected due to audience demand. So, who knows what the future holds," Serhant muses.
For fans of the show, "Owning Manhattan" is available for streaming on Netflix, offering a glimpse into the high-stakes world of New York City real estate.
