Chrissy Teigen has urged her followers to boycott SoulCyle and Equinox, over reports that the owner is hosting a fundraiser to support Donald Trump.
The 33-year-old asked her fans and friends to cancel their memberships, because the chairman of Related Companies (which owns Equinox and SoulCycle) is throwing an event in the Hamptons this Friday to promote Trump’s re-election.
According to the Washington Post, tickets for Stephen Ross’ fundraising event will cost up to $250,000.
On her Instagram Story, Chrissy said: “A lot of my very cool, socially aware, progressive, awesome, amazing friends are members of Equinox or Soulcycle.”
“I just want to let you now that their owner is hosting a giant Trump fundraiser so f**k them.”
“Cancel your memberships today, you can come to my house and work out. Just think about it. If you’re fine with that, cool, go right ahead. But if you’re not, and I know a lot of you are not fine with that, then cancel.”
Chrissy also added on Twitter: “Everyone who cancels their equinox and soul cycle memberships, meet me at the library. bring weights.”
everyone who cancels their equinox and soul cycle memberships, meet me at the library. bring weights
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) August 7, 2019
While Chrissy’s comments were largely praised, some took issue with her statement.
One of her followers argued: “Are we SERIOUSLY not using businesses now that don’t have the same political views as us? This is getting soooo ridiculous.”
But then Chrissy replied: “Yeah we f**king are. These “different views” you speak of are fundamental differences in compassion, empathy, humanity.”
In response to the backlash, SoulCycle and Equinox said they have “nothing to do” with the fundraiser.
A note from our CEO pic.twitter.com/UwxBWR76B0
— SoulCycle (@soulcycle) August 7, 2019
In a statement, they said: “Many members raised their concerns about a political fundraiser taking place later this week.”
“We want to let you know that Equinox and SoulCycle have nothing to do with the event and do not support it. As is consistent with our policies, no company profits are used to fund politicians.”
“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.”
