Donald Trump said Friday that a celebrity boycott of SoulCycle is only making the investor behind it, his billionaire friend Stephen Ross, ‘hotter’ – as he flew to the fundraiser in the Hamptons hosted by the tycoon which has prompted liberal outrage.
The president was responding to a series of reports of celebrities including MSNBC host Mike Brzezinski walking away from high-end gym Equinox and SoulCycle.
Guests are paying $100,000 for a grip-and-grin photo with the president President and $250,000 to join a roundtable discussion in a fundraising swing that is bringing millions to Trump’s campaign.
The president said it was sold out and would raise $11 or $12 million – and defended his billionaire friend, saying the boycott wouldn’t harm his business empire.
Before he spoke, actor Armie Hammer called for a boycott of Marvel because its CEO is Ike Perlmutter, another billionaire friend and ally of Trump’s – a sign of the widening culture war being fought over backing the president.
In the Hamptons protesters and pro-Trump demonstrators lined parts of the route to Ross’ home, but before he left for Long Island, Trump gloated about the haul the fundraiser would bring.
President Donald Trump flew to the Hamptons Friday for fundraisers he said would raise $12 million – and said a SoulCycle boycott to punish billionaire host Stephen Ross would only make him ‘hotter’
Protests: Anti-Trump demonstrators were present to make their point as the president went to the Hamptons for two fundraisers, one hosted by SoulCycle investor Stephen Ross
Both sides: There were both pro- and anti-Trump demonstrations on the route Trump took from the airport to the home of Stephen Ross, where seats at lunch cost as much as $250,000 each
Deuling protests: Pro-Trump and anti-Trump signs and flags were on the motorcade route as a wider culture war raged over its host, Stephen Ross, with celebrities leading a boycott of his Equinox and SoulCycle fitness chains
Firefighters salute as U.S. President Trump’s motorcade arrives for the fundraising luncheon
There was no shortage of word play and rhyming among the signs seen in Southampton
Critics seized the opportunity to put their opinions of Trump on display as he arrived in Long Island to attend a pair of campaign fundraisers
Dozens of protesters lined the streets of Southampton, New York, Friday afternoon to voice their discontent with President Donald Trump
‘Stephen Ross say great friend of a great friend of mine. He’s a successful guy. We were competitors in New York in the old days and friends,’ Trump said as he left the White House for the trip.
‘He is a great guy. He is, by the way, think he’s probably more inclined to be a liberal, if you want to know the truth. But he likes me, he respects me.
‘We’re doing a fundraiser there. We’re doing another fundraiser with another friend of mine. And I understand the fundraiser was totally sold out and it’s very successful,’ the president said.
‘I think it will makes Steve much hotter,’ Trump said. ‘I didn’t speak to him yet. I’ll see him in a little while. The controversy makes Steve Ross hotter. He’ll figure that out in about a week. But he’s very happy. He’s got a very successful. A lot of people are going,’ Trump said.
Billionaire Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross released a statement saying he doesn’t always agree with Trump, who he is hosting for fundraisers the president said will bring in millions
Various celebrities have cited the fundraiser and announced boycotts of SoulCycle and Equinox
Armie Hammer (left) called out Marvel Entertainment’s billionaire chairman Isaac Perlmutter (pictured right Air Force One in 2017) on Friday over Twitter for being one of President Donald Trump’s largest donors
The actor tweeted about Perlmutter’s donations to the Trump campaign on Friday amid calls this week to boycott Equinox and Soul Cycle after it emerged the fitness chain’s owner was hosting a fundraiser for the President
He wouldn’t identify the host of a second glitzy Hamptons funder. But combined, ‘I guess they’re going to raise 11 or $12 million,’ he said.
Outspoken celebs like Chrissy Teigen and Billy Eichner have taken to Twitter to join a boycott of the company.
Teigen tweeted: ‘the gym is my personal hell but if you’re a member of Equinox perhaps it is time to say peace(out)-inox ayyyyy I’m still sick yes but f*** equinox’
Eichner posted: ‘Hey @Equinox – what’s your policy for canceling memberships once a member finds out your owner is enabling racism and mass murder?’
Star Trek: Discovery star Wilson Cruz, who launched a petition to demand Ross call off the fundraiser, also took to Twitter with his view.
He wrote: ‘It’s important @equinox know WHY we’re going to cancel our membership.
Amid the growing backlash, Ross issued a statement distancing himself from some of Trump’s views, even as he withstood pressure from customers who called Trump racist and slammed his response to school shootings. Ross went ahead with the funder Friday.
“I have always been an active participant in the democratic process. … I have known Donald Trump for 40 years, and while we agree on some issues, we strongly disagree on many others and I have never been bashful about expressing my opinions,’ he said in a statement reported by CNN.
‘I have been, and will continue to be, an outspoken champion of racial equality, inclusion, diversity, public education and environmental sustainability, and I have and will continue to support leaders on both sides of the aisle to address these challenges,’ Ross said.
Equinox and SoulCycle said they had nothing to do with the fundraiser, and called Ross a ‘passive’ investor.
Another celebrity opened an additional front, when actor Armie Hammer has called out Marvel Entertainment’s billionaire chairman Isaac Perlmutter for being one of President Trump’s largest donors.
Hammer tweeted about Perlmutter’s donations to the Trump campaign on Friday as the fundraisers were about to get underway.
‘Hey, while everyone seems to be on this Equinox thing, it might be a good time to mention that one of Trump’s largest financial contributors is the chairman of Marvel Entertainment (Isaac Perlmutter)….. jussayin,’ Hammer tweeted.
Perlmutter, who has a net worth of $5.2 billion, and his wife Laura Perlmutter have donated almost $600,000 to Trump’s re-election campaign this year alone and is a Trump friend.
He made about $1 million in donations to Trump during the 2016 election’s primary season.
Mika Brzezinski is among the celebrities to cut ties with Equinox and SoulCycle after it was revealed owner Stephen Ross is hosting a fundraiser for President Donald Trump on Friday.
She then took things one step further than her fellow boycotters – who include Billy Eichner, Michael and Chrissy Teigen to name just a few – by announcing a plan to avoid all of Ross’ properties and holdings.
‘No more soul cycle. Will never go there again. Will never go to Hudson Yards or Equinox. Ever,’ wrote Brzezinski on Twitter.
Members of Equinox, SoulCycle, Blink Fitness and PURE Yoga are cancelling their memberships and calling for a boycott in response to the news that Ross is holding an event for President Trump’s reelection campaign in the Hamptons on Friday.
Tickets start at $100,000 for a photo with President Trump and lunch, while those who pay $250,000 will be invited to attend a roundtable with the Republican leader.
At the same time, Instagram posts shared by the billionaire developer’s wife Kara Ross seem to put her very much at odds with President Trump as she preaches the need for LGBTQ inclusivity and anti-gun measures.
In March of 2018, she posted a photo of a black teenager holding a sign that read: ‘The only thing I should fear at school is a pop quiz.’
Kara captioned the photo by writing: ‘#marchforourlives #enoughisenough @marchforourlives #endgunviolence.’
Boy, bye: Mika Brzezinski (above in 2013) joined the celebrities who have declared they are boycotting Stephen Ross’ properties over his decision to host a fundraiser for Trump
Liberal spin: ‘No more soul cycle. Will never go there again. Will never go to Hudson Yards or Equinox. Ever,’ wrote Brzezinski on Twitter (above)
Co-host: At the same time, posts shared by Ross’s jeweler wife Kara (couple above earlier this year at the opening of Hudson Yards) seem to suggest that she would be at odds with the administration
In another photo, she and her husband pose with Jose Andres, the famed chef who pulled a deal with President Trump’s Washington DC hotel over his comments on Mexicans.
Andres’ new New York City eatery opened earlier this year – in Hudson Yards.
‘Wow wow WOW⭐️��⭐️Celebrating the “soft” launch of @ChiefJoseAndres new Spanish Market @LittleSpain at #HudsonMarket Its INCREDIBLE,’ wrote Kara.
In the photos, Andres wears a shirt that says World Central Kitchen, the organization he founded that provides meals in the wake of natural disasters.
It is also the group that fed furloughed workers during the 35-day government shutdown earlier this year.
Kara has been careful to not reveal her political leanings on social media though, choosing instead to post photos of herself with stars such as John Legend and her self-proclaimed ‘friend and rockstar entrepreneur’ Serena Williams.
She also shares numerous photos of her tablescapes and diamonds, particularly the bejeweled octopi she designs.
After voting in the 2017 election she posted a photo of an ‘I Voted’ pin ‘honoring 100 years of women having the right to vote.’
She did not say who she voted for in that post.
Kara is a strong advocate for groups that promote the empowerment of women, and is seen at conferences with the likes of Gloria Steinham.
Anti-gun: In March of 2018, she posted a photo of a black teenager holding a sign during an anti-gun march that read: ‘The only thing I should fear at school is a pop quiz’ (above)
No way, Jose: She and her husband also posed with Jose Andres, who famously pulled his eatery out of Trump’s DC hotel in response to his anti-Mexican rhetoric
Rock the vote: Kara has never revealed her political leanings, and after voting in the 2017 election shared a pin celebrating ‘100 years of a woman’s right to vote’ (above)
Her husband Stephen, the owner of Equinox and SoulCycle’s parent company The Related Companies, hit back at members boycotting his properties on Wednesday.
The call to boycott was led by Eichner, who tweeted: ‘Hey @Equinox – what’s your policy for canceling memberships once a member finds out your owner is enabling racism and mass murder?’
Ross responded by stating he had ‘always been an active participant in the democratic process. While some prefer to sit outside of the process and criticize, I prefer to engage directly and support the things I deeply care about.
‘I have known Donald Trump for 40 years and while we agree on some issues, we strongly disagree on many others and I have never been bashful about expressing my opinions.
‘I started my business with nothing and a reason for my engagement with our leaders is my deep concern for creating jobs and growing our country’s economy .
‘I have been, and will continue to be, an outspoken champion of racial equality, inclusion, diversity, public education and environmental sustainability, ad I have and will continue to support leaders on both sides of the aisle to address these challenges.’
President Trump has managed to draw the ire of many Democrats in recent weeks with his comments about four female lawmakers, and more recently his decision on Wednesday to follow up a call for ‘unity’ by launching attacks on his political opponents.
He has also stripped away LGBTQ rights throughout his presidency, which before Wednesday had appeared to be seemingly at odds with the very pro-LGBTQ image projected by the clubs, particularly Equinox.
The decision by Ross to host a fundraiser that will likely net millions for President Trump will now have far-reaching financial implications for his own business.
Hours after the fundraiser was revealed, it appeared that Equinox members were taking the boycott seriously.
One gym goer at a branch in Brooklyn said the normally buzzing gym was empty, and was told by one staff member that ‘at least 30 members called to terminate since 6pm’.
Memberships at the gym, which is popular among the LGBTQ community, can cost up to $250 a month.
Actor Wilson Cruz tweeted that it was important for Equinox to know why so many in the community are now cancelling their memberships.
He tweeted: ‘This fundraiser and it’s ties to Stephen Ross, is a betrayal to our communities after masquerading as a corporate ally during pride. You can’t use us to make money and then use it to work against us. No.’
Another user gave suggestions on how to get out of the gym’s notoriously iron-clad contract.
‘point: gays, it’s hard to get out of your equinox membership contract unless you’re injured/pregnant/moving,’ wrote Alex Abad-Santos.
‘counterpoint: gays, if you f*** in a steam room and are caught, equinox bans you for life anyway, if you want me to help u get banned my DMs are open.’
Gym rats: Chrissy Teigen (left in 2018) and Billy Eichner (right in 2018) have both cancelled their memberships
Chrissy Teigen entered the fray as well, voicing her disdain in a series of tweets late Wednesday afternoon.
‘the gym is my personal hell but if you’re a member of Equinox perhaps it is time to say peace(out)-inox ayyyyy I’m still sick yes but f*** equinox,’ she write in one post.
She then added: ‘oh and f*** soulcycle but I thought that way before this anyhow.’
Then, she wrapped things up by stating: ‘everyone who cancels their equinox and soul cycle memberships, meet me at the library. bring weights.’
Eichner followed up his tweet by writing: ‘Just contacted @Equinox to cancel my membership after many years. 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!’
But not all of Teigen’s followers were impressed by her stance. She posted a screenshot of a disgruntled follower who disagreed with her view that people should boycott businesses that don’t share the same political views as them, and said she was being ‘ridiculous’.
The post read: ‘Are we SERIOUSLY not using businesses now that don’t have the same political views as us???? No matter who any person or business supports should not affect personal relationships or ruin businesses just because they do not support who you support.
‘It’s our right as Americans to have freedom of choice or there would be 1 political party. Respect their choice and move on with your life like I respect your choice.’
But Teigen wasn’t having it and posted a comment under the note saying: ‘Yes we f***ing are. These “different views” you speak of are fundamental differences in compassion, empathy, humanity.’
The post was liked more than 550,000 times, with Teigen’s followers supporting her view to boycott.
One user said: ‘Yes!!! Human rights, equality, justice and the right for some people to just exist isn’t “different views” on politics. Keep fighting, you’re doing amazing .’
Teigen isn’t the only celebrity to cut ties, with Michael Moore, writing: ‘That’s it! Just cancelled my @SoulCycle membership!’
Others are taking more grassroot actions, with Michelangelo Signorile writing: ‘I will be handing out flyers with this story to patrons entering the @Equinox near me this evening. I urge all of you to do the same.’
Saturday Night Live writer and star of Los Espookys Julio Torres tweeted: ‘Hey power gays feel free to keep going to @Equinox if you gave up on being active and want to eaaaaase into out of touch, passive trump supporting. Careful tho! It’s not hot or trendy and younger, with-it gays who care more about the big picture than a gym WILL take over!
A spokesperson for Equinox responded to a request for comment from DailyMail.com by stating: ‘Neither Equinox nor SoulCycle have anything to do with the event later this week and do not support it. As is consistent with our policies, no company profits are used to fund politicians.’
The statement then noted: ‘We are committed to all our members and the communities we live in. 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 either business.’
DailyMail.com asked that spokesperson how Ross could be classified as a ‘passive investor’ given the fact that he is the chairman of the parent company, but they have yet to respond.
Ross has donated large sums to Republican candidates and causes according to FEC filings, while also contributing to Democrats including Senator Mark Warner of Virginia and Lois Frankel of Florida.
Some on social media took great delight in the fact that they had never joined or already quit one of the fitness facilities.
‘HHAHAHAHAH I’m so glad I quit @Equinox and as for @SoulCycle I always knew a pay-to-play cult based around riding a bicycle to nowhere was f***ing stupid AHAHAHHAHAHA QUIT IT ALLLL,’ wrote Sara Benicasa.
Meanwhile, some fitness centers are starting to poke fun at Equinox and SoulCycle’s expense, with New York Sports Club inviting furious members to work out with them instead.
‘FYI: This Friday, August 9th we’re not doing anything in Southampton. COME WORK OUT WITH US,’ it posted on Instagram.
That post was followed up with another that read: ‘Commit to something better.’