Virginia Lam Abrams, spokesperson for the internet service provider Starry, wrote in a statement to Business Insider that Related is only a minority investor and holds no board seat for the privately held company. Still, Related plays an integral role in their business.
"We work with Related Companies to connect their apartment communities with competitive, affordable broadband service," she wrote. "In particular, they are an important partner for us in enabling Starry to deploy free and low-cost internet access solutions in their affordable housing portfolio, which is the largest in the nation. As companies, we are aligned with the shared mission of lowering barriers to broadband access and providing consumers with competitive alternatives to the incumbent monopolies. That is what makes Related Companies a great partner as we grow and expand our network."
She continued: "Mr. Ross's personal political viewpoints and his decision to host this fundraiser are entirely his own."