NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Equinox and SoulCycle are distancing itself from one its investors who is hosting a fundraising luncheon for President Donald Trump at his Hamptons home on Friday, after its customers -- including many celebrities -- cancelled memberships and expressed anger over Stephen Ross' support of the polarizing president, specifically highlighting his contentious relationship with the LGBTQ community.
Ross is the founder and chairman of the real estate firm Related Companies, which is the financial force behind Hudson Yards, Equinox Fitness Clubs, Equinox Hotels and SoulCycle.
“Neither Equinox nor SoulCycle have anything to do with the event later this week and do not support it," read a statement released Wednesday. "As is consistent with our policies, no company profits are used to fund politicians."
The statement continued, "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."
After the above statement was released, Ross issued his own statement, saying, in part: "I have known Donald Trump for 40 years, and while we agree on some issues, we strongly disagree on many others and I have never been bashful about expressing my opinions."
He added, "I have been, and will continue to be, an outspoken champion of racial equality, inclusion, diversity, public education and environmental sustainability, and I have and will continue to support leaders on both sides of the aisle to address these challenges."