De Blasio touts YMCA over Equinox, SoulCycle amid uproar over Trump fundraiser

New York City Mayor Bill de BlasioBill de BlasioProtesters splash red paint on NYC streets to symbolize blood De Blasio: Robert E Lee’s ‘name should be taken off everything in America, period’ House Democratic whip pushes back on calls to defund police: We need to focus on reform MORE, a 2020 Democratic White House hopeful, touted the YMCA amid criticism over a fundraiser the developer of fitness chains SoulCycle and Equinox plans to hold for President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE.

“Imagine the feeling of a work out that doesn’t also fund racism, xenophobia and the ultra-rich. Now open your eyes. I present to you the @ymca. Big fan,” de Blasio mayor tweeted.

The tweet follows an avalanche of criticism against Stephen Ross, the founder and chairman of The Related Companies, which owns Equinox, after it was revealed he plans to host a high-dollar fundraiser for the president’s reelection campaign in the Hamptons later this week. Equinox owns SoulCycle, a high-end, indoor cycling health chain.

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SoulCycle CEO Melanie Whelan posted a statement saying the chain “in no way endorses the political fundraising event.” 

“SoulCycle has nothing to do with the event and does not support it,” Whelan said. “Consistent with our policies, no company profits are used to fund politicians.” 

Equinox also issued a statement, saying it has nothing to do with the fundraiser. 

“As is consistent with our policies, no company profits are used to fund politicians,” it said.

Nevertheless, the fundraiser has sparked an outcry, with celebrities like Billy Eichner and Chrissy Teigen vowing to boycott the fitness chain. 

De Blasio, one of 25 Democrats running for president and a fierce Trump critic, has thus far polled near the bottom of most national and statewide surveys and is at risk of failing to make the debate stage in September.

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