Outrage in US at Equinox and Soul Cycle investor for hosting a Trump fundraiser

Calls for boycott of luxury gym and cycling studios have flooded social media

As Ships Captain Rick McCormack salutes at right, President Donald Trump walks to board Marine One on the flight deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Saturday, July, 22, 2017, after the commissioning ceremony of the aircraft carrier. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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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?"

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:

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.

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.

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:

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.