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Gay NYC Hotelier Ian Reisner Again Apologizes for Ted Cruz Debacle, Cuts $20,000 Check for Fire Island Pines Group

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Reisner

With the firestorm still raging, real estate developer Ian Reisner has once again apologized for his decision to host a reception and dinner at his Manhattan penthouse (alongside business partner Mati Weiderpass) for virulently anti-LGBT senator and 2016 candidate Ted Cruz last month.

Reisner, who back in January paid $10.1 million for a commercial strip along the Fire Island Pines, has also pledged to redouble his support for LGBT causes and cut a $20,000 check for the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association (FIPPOA) PAC. 

In the wake of the controversy, some in the Fire Island Pines community sought to distanced themselves from the two hoteliers. 

FIPPOA President Jay Pagano stated that he had recently met with Reisner and was given the following apology that was read at the group's spring meeting:

Reisner2"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." 
 
Pagano added:
 
The letter of apology was received with applause and approval.  I have since been informed that Omar Sharif Jr. from GLAAD was hired as Director of Community Affairs.  $20,000 was wired to the FIPPOA PAC account and Ian has clarified to me that he will be donating "all of his share" of the profits from the Pines investment.  Ian has again asked me to express his intention of getting it right.  
 
Sharif Jr. is a Golden Globe winning Egyptian-Canadian actor who came out back in 2012.
 
Update: Sharif Jr. left his position as National Spokesperson for GLAAD earlier this month. GLAAD is not working with Reisner in any capacity.
 

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