Alexis Bittar, the celebrity jewelry designer whose Instagram posts have made him a fixture of Manhattan’s social scene, hosted a New York City fundraiser on Monday evening that brought together two Democratic Senate candidates and a host of high-profile guests. The event raised contributions ranging from $500 to $27,000, according to an invitation cited by the Washington Free Beacon, which first reported the gathering.
Bittar, known for his bold designs worn by Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Rihanna, has been vocal about his politics. He described the United States as a “sh–hole” in a July interview and warned that “if we don’t do something now, we’re fu–ed.” He also told Forbes in July 2025 that the American flag had become “a symbol of aggression” during President Donald Trump’s political rise.
The fundraiser featured Sherrod Brown and James Talarico, two top Democratic Senate hopefuls. Actor Robert De Niro was listed among the high-powered hosts, according to the invitation cited by the Free Beacon. A spokesperson for Talarico’s campaign declined to comment about the fundraiser, and neither Brown nor Bittar returned Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
Bittar’s Political Posts
Bittar has been openly supporting Democrats since at least August, when he hosted a fundraiser for Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. In an Instagram video from that event, Bittar declared that “the traditional Democrats have one foot in the grave” and that “the revolution has begun.”
Several weeks ago, Bittar posted on Instagram: “Hey people … it’s voting time!!! Bringing in all the Democrat Socialists!! Let’s change America…!”
His marketing efforts have included a fictional female serial killer named Amanda Gates, whom Bittar described as “the most unlikely new fashion Icon.” He has also posted about the SCORCHED campaign, which is a scorched-earth strategy targeting El-Sayed.
The Invitation and the Guests
The invitation cited by the Free Beacon showed the full scope of the event. It listed De Niro as one of the hosts, alongside Bittar. The contribution levels ranged from $500 to $27,000, though the source does not specify how many donors fell into each tier.
Bittar’s recent posts suggest the fundraiser was part of a broader push to energize Democratic voters. His Instagram posts have been explicitly political, urging followers to engage with the party and its candidates.
The Candidates and Their Campaigns
Sherrod Brown is a longtime Democratic politician running for Senate. James Talarico is a top Democratic Senate hopeful. Both attended the fundraiser, according to the invitation cited by the Free Beacon.
Neither candidate responded to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
The Source’s Limits
The details of the event come from a single invitation cited by the Washington Free Beacon. The fundraiser’s contribution levels and guest list are therefore reported through that source, not verified independently by the paper. The paper is reporting what the invitation shows, not confirming every detail.
The Politics Behind the Fundraiser
Bittar’s public statements show a consistent pattern. He described the American flag as “a symbol of aggression” and urged his followers to join “all the Democrat Socialists” in changing the country.
His marketing for a fictional serial killer named Amanda Gates and his anti-war SCORCHED campaign sit alongside his political posts. The pattern is clear: Bittar is using his platform to promote Democratic candidates while also pushing his own brand of social commentary.
The Fundraiser’s Reach
The fundraiser brought together a celebrity jeweler, two top Democratic Senate candidates and a host of high-profile guests. Bittar’s posts show a consistent political stance, and his fundraising now puts that stance into action.
The event raises questions about who supports these candidates and how they fund their campaigns. The invitation cited by the Free Beacon shows the range of contributors, from $500 to $27,000.
| Event Detail | Source |
|---|---|
| Host | Alexis Bittar |
| Candidates | Sherrod Brown and James Talarico |
| Guest host | Robert De Niro |
| Contribution levels | Up to $27,000 |
| Invitation cited by | Washington Free Beacon |
The fundraiser is a snapshot of a moment in the election cycle. It shows a celebrity using his wealth and influence to support Democratic candidates. It also shows how politics has become a part of everyday life for some of the city’s most visible figures.
The question now is whether this kind of event will shape the outcome of the election. Bittar’s posts suggest he believes it can. Whether that belief is justified remains to be seen.
Where the paper stands
The paper backs the right of celebrities like Alexis Bittar to host fundraisers for political candidates, even when his remarks are blunt, because free speech and association are essential, while it is against any attempt to regulate such gatherings as if they were corporate lobbying, which would chill the participation of all but the most well-connected. The invitation cited by the Washington Free Beacon shows a single event, with a range of contribution tiers from $500 to $27,000, and a guest list including Robert De Niro.
Bittar’s posts show a consistent pattern of using his platform to promote Democratic candidates and his own brand of social commentary, and the fundraiser puts that stance into action. The paper reports what the invitation shows without confirming every detail.
The paper wants to see a political marketplace open to anyone with a platform, not locked behind rules that favor the well-connected. Readers should watch for attempts to treat celebrity fundraisers as if they were corporate lobbying, which would freeze out all but the most connected figures.
Key Facts Box
- Host: Alexis Bittar
- Candidates: Sherrod Brown and James Talarico
- Guest host: Robert De Niro
- Contribution levels: $500 to $27,000
- Source: Invitation cited by the Washington Free Beacon
Source material: “Socialist jeweler who called US a 'sh–hole' teams up with top Dem Senate hopefuls,” Fox News.
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