Senate candidates Sherrod Brown of Ohio and James Talarico of Texas were the headline guests at a fundraiser held Monday evening in Manhattan. The event was organized by celebrity jewelry designer Alexis Bittar, whose recent public remarks have sparked controversy.

Controversial comments from the host

In a July interview, Bittar said the United States is a “sh‑‑hole” and warned that his three young children are “growing up in this sh‑‑hole” if nothing changes. He also told Forbes that the American flag has become “a symbol of aggression” during President Donald Trump’s political rise, adding that the flag now seems to say, “we’re coming for you”.

Fundraiser details

The Manhattan gathering listed contribution levels from $500 up to $27,000. Actor Robert De Niro was among the high‑profile hosts, according to an invitation cited by the Washington Free Beacon. A spokesperson for Talarico’s campaign declined to comment, and neither Brown nor Bittar responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.

Bittar’s political involvement

Bittar has been active in progressive Democratic circles. He donated the maximum amount to support New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s transition and served on the mayor’s Arts & Culture transition committee, as reported by Gothamist. He has also hosted fundraisers for Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El‑Sayed, describing traditional Democrats as “one foot in the grave” and proclaiming that “the revolution has begun”.

Past marketing controversy

In December 2025, Bittar discussed a past marketing campaign featuring a fictional female serial killer, saying he was “intrigued by people who kill” and that the project was meant to “raise the bar” for fashion advertising.

While the fundraiser drew attention for its high‑profile guests and the host’s outspoken remarks, it also highlighted the ongoing alignment of certain designers with progressive Democratic candidates ahead of upcoming elections.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.