Now the mob has come for billionaire Stephen Ross because he dared to hold a fundraiser for President Trump. Ross serves as CEO and majority owner for The Related Companies, which counts Equinox gym and SoulCycle among its brands that leftists have been vowing to boycott.
"Equinox and SoulCycle officials distanced themselves Wednesday from billionaire Stephen Ross' decision to support re-election campaign [that] triggered calls among celebrities to boycott the brands," reports Fox Business. "The 79-year-old businessman is set to host a lavish fundraiser for Trump at his Hamptons mansion on Friday, with donors expected to spend up to $250,000 on tickets to attend."
Since Equinox and SoulCycle primarily serve upper-class liberals in cities like West Hollywood and Manhattan, celebrities have now been calling for a boycott, with comedian Billy Eichner and model Chrissy Teigen leading the way.
"Hey [Equinox] what's your policy for canceling memberships once a member finds out your owner is enabling racism and mass murder?" opined Eichner on Twitter.
"Just contacted [Equinox] to cancel my membership after many years," Eichner continued. "Money talks, especially with these monsters. If it's too inconvenient for u to trade one LUXURY GYM for another, then you should be ashamed. (No disrespect to the many wonderful employees at my local Equinox). Bye!"
Betches Media said that women should be informed that the money they spend at Equinox and SoulCycle will be benefiting President Trump.
"I regret to inform you that the massive amounts of money you spend thinking it would go toward improving your health ... is also going to Trump," the newsletter said. "Stephen Ross, owner of Equinox, SoulCycle, PURE Yoga, and Blink Fitness, is hosting a massive fundraiser in Southampton this weekend for Donald Trump. This is the best reason I've ever heard for finally canceling that expensive gym membership. See you all at FlyWheel!"
In response to the backlash, the companies released a joint statement informing their members that Ross has acted on his own accord.
"Many members raised their concerns about a political fundraiser taking place later this week," the statement read. "We want to let you know that Equinox and SoulCycle have nothing to do with the event and do not support it. As is consistent with our policies, no company profits are used to fund politicians. We believe in tolerance and equality, and will always stay true to those values. Mr. Ross is a passive investor and is not involved in the management of our their business. We appreciate all whoever reached out to us."
SoulCycle CEO Melanie Whelan released a similar statement that distanced the company from its owner.
"At SoulCycle we wake up every day committed to our community, and creating a safe space where all are welcome. We believe in diversity, inclusion, and equality," the statement said. "SoulCycle in no way endorses the political fundraising event being held later this week. SoulCycle has nothing to do with the event and does not support it. Consistent with our policies, no company profits are used to fund politicians. We are committed to all our riders in the communities we live in. Mr. Ross is a passive investor and is not involved in the management of SoulCycle. We'll always stay true to our values and committed to our community. We know who we are and we know what we believe in, and nothing will ever change that."
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