Billionaire Trump Supporter Stephen Ross Can’t Have It Both Ways

Donald Trump built his career and publicity machine in New York City real estate. While he remains a divisive figure in the industry, he still has connections with powerful, wealthy developers. One of them, Related Companies owner Stephen Ross, is planning a lavish Hamptons fundraiser for his re-election campaign. The Washington Post reports that ticket prices begin at around $5,600 and climb to $250,000 for the opportunity to have a private roundtable discussion with the president.

In addition to being a real estate developer, Ross is the owner of the Miami Dolphins football team and has investments in a number of restaurants and fitness brands, including Equinox and SoulCycle. When news broke that Ross is hosting the fundraiser, angry Equinox and SoulCycle members, some of them celebrities, took to social media to encourage their followers to cancel their memberships.

Model and television host Chrissy Teigen, who has over 11 million followers tweeted:

everyone who cancels their equinox and soul cycle memberships, meet me at the library. bring weights

— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) August 7, 2019

Actor and comedian Billy Eichner told his followers:

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!

— billy eichner (@billyeichner) August 7, 2019

Director Michael Moore also weighed in:

That’s it! Just cancelled my @SoulCycle membership! https://t.co/YvoG4pQv7w

— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) August 7, 2019

Buzzfeed’s Julia Reinstein reports that in forums on the Equinox’s mobile app, “tons of members spoke out against Ross and said their farewells to the gym.” In one post, Reinstein wrote, “[the] member shared the famous photo of a 2-year-old immigrant girl crying as her mother was searched at the border, superimposed with the words ‘IT’S NOT FITNESS. IT’S HATE.’ ”

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills also voiced his displeasure at his team’s owner: