Stephen Ross, billionaire owner of luxury gym Equinox and its affiliated business Soul Cycle, came under fire on Wednesday for planning to host a donor fundraiser for Donald Trump in the Hamptons.
The event first reported by Out Magazine is being hosted by Mr Ross and promises a photo with the US President in return for $100,000 tickets, and $250,000 for a roundtable discussion.
The news sparked outrage among members of Equinox and Soul Cycle, who often attract a more liberal and progressive clientele.
Comedian Billy Eichner tweeted: “Hey @equinox what’s your policy for cancelling memberships once a member finds out your owner is enabling racism and mass murder?"
Hey @Equinox - what’s your policy for canceling memberships once a member finds out your owner is enabling racism and mass murder?
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) August 7, 2019
Both companies tried to distance themselves from Mr Ross.
A spokesman said that “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," he said. "We are committed to all our members and the communities we live in.”
But by Wednesday afternoon, the hashtags #BoycottEquinox and #BoycottSoulCycle were trending on US social media.
US model Christine Teigen joined the chorus, asking people to meet her at the library:
everyone who cancels their equinox and soul cycle memberships, meet me at the library. bring weights
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) August 7, 2019
Soul Cycle issued a statement committing to the values of inclusiveness and equality.
"Soul cycle has nothing to do with the event and does not support it," chief executive Melanie Whelan said.
A note from our CEO pic.twitter.com/UwxBWR76B0
— SoulCycle (@soulcycle) August 7, 2019
Mr Ross, the developer at the centre of the controversy, said he had known Mr Trump for 40 years.
“While we agree on some issues, we strongly disagree on many others,” he said.
Statement from Stephen Ross: pic.twitter.com/nvn3pmAPVE
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) August 7, 2019
But Shannon Coulter, a consumer advocate who runs a protest group that lists companies supporting the Trump presidency, added Equinox and Soul Cycle to her boycott list:
This Friday the Soul Cycle and Equinox Fitness chairman is throwing a fundraising lunch for Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign. Tickets are $100,000 each. Adding to the list. https://t.co/pHNr8ZeG5m #GrabYourWallet
— Shannon Coulter (@shannoncoulter) August 7, 2019
Their demand is to "cancel the Hamptons fundraiser. After that, it will only be possible to be removed if Stephen Ross is no longer with related companies."
Former first lady Michelle Obama was a fan of Soul Cycle during her time at the White House.
In 2016, CNN reported, the “Clinton campaign held a fundraiser at Soul Cycle's Tribeca location,” when former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was running against Mr Trump.