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The fitness chain had been heavily criticized when one of its owners raised $13 million for Trump's reelection.
Last year Equinox made headlines when Stephen Ross, real estate developer and majority owner of Related Companies (which owns Equinox), raised $13 million for Donald Trump's re-election. When the news broke it led to a wave of backlash that included protests as well as people reportedly calling and canceling their membership to the high-priced spot. The chain itself later released a statement saying they did "not support" the event and characterized Ross as a "passive investor" who is "not involved in the management" of Equinox nor SoulCycle. Well, now it looks like that management is taking its own steps to show where their alliances lie.
Harvey Spevak, executive chairman of Equinox, hosted a private virtual gala Friday for the Biden Action fund according to Page Six. That gala was held over a Zoom call and those in attendance had to contribute a minimum of $50,000 for entrance. It is worth admitting here that the fundraiser that Ross held last year went for $250,000 but, as it was not during the ongoing pandemic (the results of which have been worsened by Trump's inept handling,) was in person.
Kamala Harris, Biden's vice-presidential pick, appeared virtually for the fundraiser.
This isn't the first move the chain has made. Last year, Spevak wrote an email that went out to Equinox's remaining members.
"The last week has been difficult for all," he wrote. "I am sorry for the impact it has had on our community -- and I'm sorry we haven't said more." He went on to announce a $1 million donation to benefit organizations like House Lives Matter, The Felix Organization, The Heroes Project, and more.
RELATED | I Am Gay, I Work at Equinox, and Stephen Ross Must Go
Mikelle is the former editorial director of digital for PrideMedia, guiding digital editorial and social across Out, The Advocate, Pride.com, Out Traveler, and Plus. After starting as a freelancer for Out in 2013, he joined the staff as Senior Editor working across print and digital in 2018. In early 2021 he became Out's digital director, marking a pivot to content that centered queer and trans stories and figures, exclusively. In September 2021, he was promoted to editorial director of PrideMedia. He has written cover stories on Ricky Martin, Miss Fame, Nyle DiMarco, Jeremy O. Harris, Law Roach, and Symone.
Mikelle is the former editorial director of digital for PrideMedia, guiding digital editorial and social across Out, The Advocate, Pride.com, Out Traveler, and Plus. After starting as a freelancer for Out in 2013, he joined the staff as Senior Editor working across print and digital in 2018. In early 2021 he became Out's digital director, marking a pivot to content that centered queer and trans stories and figures, exclusively. In September 2021, he was promoted to editorial director of PrideMedia. He has written cover stories on Ricky Martin, Miss Fame, Nyle DiMarco, Jeremy O. Harris, Law Roach, and Symone.
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