New York Gym Apologizes After Ejecting Member for Trump Mugshot Shirt
A member of an Equinox gym in Manhattan was asked to leave due to a T-shirt depicting Donald Trump’s mugshot, leading to a public apology from Equinox.
Manager’s Request Sparks Viral Outrage
During the recorded conversation, Ogunyinka can be heard explaining that Equinox is a “safe space” and deemed Jared’s shirt offensive. In response, Jared expressed disbelief at being ejected for his choice of attire, questioning the consistency of the gym’s policy enforcement.
“They’re kicking me out, can you believe that? They’re kicking me out because I’m wearing Trump,” Jared recounted to his viewers, visibly upset by the manager’s demand.
Equinox later issued an apology via a spokesperson, clarifying that Jared’s T-shirt did not, in fact, breach any official dress code. They admitted that an associate had mistakenly enforced a non-existent policy regarding the shirt.
Equinox Apologizes for the Misunderstanding
The gym extended a formal apology to Jared directly, attempting to rectify the situation and mitigate any negative fallout. Jared received a business card from Ogunyinka with a promise of a written explanation, which was to be emailed to him later.
Reflecting on previous visits to the gym, Jared mentioned that he had worn pro-Israel T-shirts before without issue. This inconsistency in how policies were applied contributed to his shock and frustration during the incident.
Jared also voiced his broader political and social views, citing his experiences with antisemitism and anti-American sentiments from the left as drivers for his support of Trump. He emphasized his right to express his political beliefs, especially as they pertain to his identity as a Jew supporting a pro-Israel candidate.
Jared’s Political Stance and Public Reaction
“American democracy is about free speech and debate. Time and time again, the left does everything in their power to silence ideas. I refuse to be bullied,” Jared declared, asserting his commitment to speaking freely despite social repercussions.
He further lamented the personal cost of his outspokenness: “I speak my mind, and for that I have lost friends and have been looked down upon. When they have no arguments left, they try to demonize you,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Equinox’s parent company remained neutral in the incident, not commenting on whether Ogunyinka’s actions were influenced by personal political biases.
Historical Context of Political Controversy at Equinox
The controversy around Jared’s ejection from Equinox is not isolated. Stephen Ross, an investor in Equinox and a known Trump supporter, hosted a high-priced fundraiser for Trump in 2019, which ignited protests and calls for boycotts against the gym by trans activists and other groups.
These past events have highlighted the tension between personal political expressions and corporate brand image, a balance Equinox continues to navigate amidst a politically charged atmosphere.
The incident at the Equinox gym underscores ongoing debates about the limits of free speech in private and public settings, the responsibilities of businesses to uphold community standards, and the intersection of personal convictions with corporate policies.
