Charlie Kirk Comments Cost Las Vegas REALTOR® Leadership Role — What the Industry Can Learn
The recent removal of an incoming Las Vegas REALTORS (LVR) board director offers a timely reminder for every real estate professional: what we say online matters, and leadership comes with higher expectations.
What Happened
Mark Sivek, a broker with Realty One Group, was slated to join the Las Vegas REALTORS (LVR) Board of Directors. That changed after he posted inflammatory comments on LinkedIn in response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
What he said: On LinkedIn, in response to a sympathetic comment about Kirk’s murder, Sivek wrote:
“He was a despicable human being. Promoted hate and violence. A real pos!! Live by the sword die by the sword. F** Charlie Kirk! The world is a better place without him. Shame on you for supporting this disgusting moron.”* — Weekly Real Estate News
The remarks circulated quickly, sparking widespread criticism. LVR leadership moved swiftly, announcing he would not be seated on the board and emphasizing that “we do not condone hateful or potentially hurtful speech, and such comments do not reflect the views and values of our association and profession.”
The fallout continued: LVR President George Kypreos confirmed Sivek was removed from his incoming director role and other appointed positions. Sivek later issued an apology, writing: “Yesterday I posted a very incendiary comment about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I humbly seek forgiveness for all whom I offended.” Soon after, his social media was deactivated, and he resigned from additional board roles slated for 2026 and 2027.
Why It Matters
This case underscores three important truths for those of us in real estate:
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Professionalism doesn’t clock out.
As REALTORS®, our Code of Ethics applies not only in transactions but in our broader conduct. Leadership especially magnifies the impact of our words, online or offline. -
Free speech has professional consequences.
While everyone is free to speak their mind, trade associations have clear codes of conduct. Hateful or celebratory speech around violence, even expressed personally, can be grounds for removal from leadership roles. -
Reputation is fragile.
Years of service and experience can be overshadowed by one misjudged post. For clients, colleagues, and the public, our digital footprint reflects directly on our trustworthiness.
The Bigger Picture
NAR’s Code of Ethics prohibits harassing or hate speech in real estate-related activities. LVR’s own social media policy also warns that defamatory or hurtful content may lead to discipline or removal from leadership. In this case, both frameworks were clear, and the association acted swiftly to uphold them.
Takeaway for Real Estate Professionals
The lesson here isn’t just about one individual—it’s about all of us. Real estate is built on credibility and trust. Whether you’re an agent, broker, or aspiring leader, the way you communicate shapes your reputation and, by extension, your business.
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Think before you post.
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Assume clients, colleagues, and competitors may see what you write.
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Ask: Does this reflect the professionalism I want to be known for?
A Gentle Warning—and Encouragement
We all face moments of strong emotion, and social media makes it easy to react instantly. But our role as professionals calls us to pause, reflect, and lead by example. The same discipline that drives us to negotiate with integrity and serve clients faithfully should extend to our digital voices.
Leadership in real estate isn’t just about market knowledge—it’s about embodying the standards of our profession, even in the most heated moments.
👉 Bottom line: Guard your professionalism as carefully as you guard your license. A single post can cost opportunities, but steady integrity will always build the trust that keeps your business thriving.
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Prepared by Chad Golladay
Executive Publisher at Broker★Agent Advisor, which provides advice, recognition, and referral services to the real estate industry since 1996. Chad brings 30 years of proven experience in publishing, business development, management, and marketing. Most notable are Chad's accomplishments and contributions to the real estate media sector as a pioneer of the industry through trade magazines, social networks, digital communications, and modern marketing.
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