FORGIVE AND FORGET?

Ian Reisner Apologizes Again For Ted Cruz Debacle, Donates 20k To Fire Island Pines Group

reisner_articleboxIt would seem that Ian Reisner has finally been thinking seriously about PR since news broke that he and business partner Mati Weiderpass hosted a “fireside chat” with vehemently antigay Senator and Republican Presidential candidate clown car occupant Ted Cruz at their Central Park penthouse last month.

Reisner, who has previously called the meeting a “terrible mistake” while also railing against the gay community for being “cheap” and “entitled,” has now issued a formal apology in the form of a (carefully crafted) letter to the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association (FIPPOA) where he is a major investor. It’s interesting that his most heartfelt apology is directed towards a bunch of fellow rich gays, but the sentiment seems right.

In the letter, he again asks for forgiveness and pledges a strengthened commitment to gay causes, backed up with his wallet.

Here is the letter that was read aloud by president of FIPPOA Jay Pagano at a recent meeting, which was reportedly met with applause and approval:

Dear Members of our Community,

First I want to clear up that Mati Weiderpass has zero involvement or ownership in the Pines.

Now let me state unequivocally that I made mistakes. While my initial intention was bi-partisan dialogue about National & Israeli security, I’ve come to learn that intentions and outcomes are different things. The outcomes of my actions are that I’ve deeply hurt our community – and I am truly sorry.

In order to help build a stronger community I am taking the following steps:

– I am renewing and redoubling my commitment as an ardent supporter of LGBT causes.

– I will continue to invest my resources in the Pines, its cultural programs and activities that celebrate the diversity and acceptance of its community members, so that it always holds its rightful place in LGBT history.

– To this end, today I made a donation to the ‘FIPPOA-PAC’ — matching All funds raised in its last active year — which supports politicians committed to the Pines and to LGBT issues.

– More so, I will be donating profits from my Pines Investment this summer to the following organizations that I have supported in the past: The LGBT Community Center in NYC & The Jerusalem Open House, as well as to ‘Equality Texas’ which fights for LGBT rights on one of this countries more challenging fronts.

– Further, I am in the process of hiring a Director of Community Affairs to serve as a liaison with various LGBT organizations and to guide me in better serving our community.

– Lastly, I commit to meeting and consulting with community & organizational leaders, to hear their concerns and their ideas so that we can all work together for a better Pines and a stronger LGBT community.

Please accept these preliminary steps as assurance of my commitment to getting this right and to becoming the community member you deserve.”

Is it time to finally move on from this one?

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated