The developer behind fitness chains SoulCycle and Equinox\u00a0faced criticism for a planned high-dollar\u00a0fundraiser he’s hosting for President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE’s reelection campaign in the Hamptons later this week.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Stephen Ross, the founder and chairman of The Related Companies, which owns Equinox, will host the fundraiser luncheon on Friday along with his wife.\u00a0Equinox\u00a0owns SoulCycle, a boutique, indoor cycling health chain.<\/p>\n
Some customers of Equinox and SoulCycle, which are known for a clientele that is largely urban and female, criticized the fundraiser on social media, threatening to cancel their memberships.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nI am a freak who loves @soulcycle. it genuinely makes me feel good and excited about my body and my health. that being said, the loser owner supports trump and I didn\u2019t know that! so I will no longer take classes there. sharing bc I had no idea & maybe u didn\u2019t either! fuck that.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Mitra Jouhari (@tweetrajouhari) August 7, 2019<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The indoor cycling chain’s CEO Melanie Whelan said in a statement\u00a0later Wednesday that Soul Cycle “in no way endorses the political fundraising event.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Soul cycle has nothing to do with the event and does not support it,” Whelan said in a statement. “Consistent with our policies, no company profits are used to fund politicians.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nA note from our CEO pic.twitter.com\/UwxBWR76B0<\/p>\n
\u2014 SoulCycle (@soulcycle) August 7, 2019<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Soulcycle has a number of famous fans, including former first lady Michelle ObamaMichelle LeVaughn Robinson ObamaThe Hill’s Morning Report – Treasury, Fed urge more spending, lending to ease COVID-19 wreckage Budowsky: Michelle Obama or Tammy Duckworth for VP Michelle Obama urges class of 2020 to couple protesting with mobilizing, voting MORE.<\/p>\n
In 2016, a Washington writer published a story about Obama showing up at her SoulCycle class with a Secret Service detail.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Equinox also issued a statement addressing the backlash, saying they have nothing to do with the fundraiser.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\npic.twitter.com\/TDYcT0kG4L<\/p>\n
\u2014 Equinox (@Equinox) August 7, 2019\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Ross also owns the Miami Dolphins of the NFL. Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills slammed news on Twitter.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nYou can\u2019t have a non profit with this mission statement then open your doors to Trump. https:\/\/t.co\/sNBWfEXvLn pic.twitter.com\/nNkRf2wJep<\/p>\n
\u2014 Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) August 7, 2019<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that tickets for the luncheon are priced at\u00a0$100,000 for a photo opportunity and lunch, while attendees can pay\u00a0$250,000 to be included in a roundtable discussion.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Related Companies has also invested in the Milk Bar and\u00a0Momofuku restaurant chain.<\/p>\n