Trump supporter and billionaire Stephen Ross is reportedly ‘freaked out’ by liberal boycotts of some of his businesses this week.
Ross, a real estate developer who also owns the Miami Dolphins, received backlash from some that oppose President Trump after it was discovered that he was hosting a Trump fundraising dinner at his home in the Hamptons. Ross owns Equinox and SoulCylce, both high-end fitness brands, that appeal to a young, urban demographic which has been driving the boycotts.
“I have known Donald Trump for 40 years,” Ross said in a Thursday statement. “And while we agree on some issues, we strongly disagree on many others and I have never been bashful about expressing my opinion.” However, sources told Axios that Ross had reservations about going forward with the Friday fund raiser which commanded prices up to $250,000 per plate. One source categorized Ross as “freaked out” over the trending boycotts, another said he had to be reassured that the dinner was a good idea. “Stay strong, it’s not going to be that bad. Not that many people are going to boycott the gym.”
Ross is a managing partner of The Related Cos., which owns the two luxury gym brands. Both Equinox and SoulCycle issued statements on Thursday condemning the Trump fundraiser and described Ross’ involvement in their businesses as a “passive investor.”
The Related Cos. is also developing Hudson Yards, a luxury neighborhood of high-end businesses on Manhattan’s West Side. The new CNN headquarters in New York is located at 30 Hudson Yards, a high-rise building owned and developed by Related Cos.
“Neither Equinox nor SoulCycle have anything to do with the event later this week and do not support it,” the Thursday statement said. “As is consistent with our policies, no company profits are used to fund politicians. 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.”
As of Thursday #BoycottSoulCycle and #BoycottEquinox were both trending on Twitter.
