Democratic Senate candidates Sherrod Brown and James Talarico reportedly headlined a star-studded New York City fundraiser hosted by celebrity jewelry designer Alexis Bittar, whose recent public comments describe the United States as a “sh–-hole” and characterizing the American flag as “a symbol of aggression.”

The fundraiser, held Monday evening in Manhattan, featured contribution levels ranging from $500 to $27,000 and also listed actor Robert De Niro among the high-powered hosts, according to an invitation cited by the Washington Free Beacon.

Bittar’s recent record includes a July interview during which he discussed his concerns about the country’s future, while promoting a documentary centered on “reclaim[ing]” the American flag. 

During the interview, Bittar questioned what Americans were doing to create “the country we want to live in” before adding: “I have three kids, and they’re little, and they’re growing up in this sh–hole. So if we don’t do something now, we’re fu–ed.”

FIRST ON FOX: JAMES TALARICO SLAMMED FOR CALLING AMERICAN FLAG ‘COMPLICATED SYMBOL’ AHEAD OF INDEPENDENCE DAY

The Free Beacon highlighted separate remarks Bittar made about the American flag while discussing the documentary, saying in an interview with Forbes in July 2025 that the American flag had become “a symbol of aggression” during President Donald Trump’s political rise. 

“Thinking about the new administration and what actions I can take to combat their policies. It seemed folks were in shock and experiencing malaise. But I homed in how the flag was co-opted by the right and how did the left let that happen?” he said in the interview. “It’s become such a symbol of aggression, the American flag, like ‘we’re coming for you’ during Trump’s era.”

Bittar has been active in progressive Democratic politics. Gothamist previously reported that he was among the donors who gave the maximum amount to support New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s transition and served on the mayor’s Arts & Culture transition committee. He has also been unafraid of the “socialist” label, the Free Beacon reported. 

“Hey people … it’s voting time!!! Bringing in all the Democrat Socialists!! Let’s change America…!” he said while urging people to go out and vote for various candidates in New York several weeks ago on Instagram.

Democratic Party U.S. Senate candidates Sherrod Brown (left) and James Talarico (right) (Getty Images)

According to the Washington Free Beacon, Bittar also recently hosted a fundraiser for Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, while in an August Instagram video with the US Senate candidate from Michigan Bittar declared that “the traditional Democrats have one foot in the grave” and that “the revolution has begun.”

TIM SCOTT GOES SCORCHED EARTH ON EL-SAYED: ‘HE’S FOR HAMAS, BUT HE’S AGAINST AMERICA’

Bittar’s jewelry has been worn by celebrities including Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Rihanna, and he has built a high-profile fashion brand while also becoming increasingly active in progressive Democratic politics.

One of Bittar’s past marketing campaigns featured a fictional female serial killer. While speaking with V Magazine about the campaign in December 2025, Bittar said he had “always [been] intrigued by people who kill” and said the project was intended to “raise the bar” for marketing.

Celebrity jeweler Alexis Bittar (Getty Images)

“I am always intrigued by people who kill and I love to trace their own personal history and the trajectories that led them to become killers,” Bittar said. “Meet Amanda Gates … she is the most unlikely new fashion Icon.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

A spokesperson for Talarico’s campaign declined to comment about the fundraiser, while neither Brown nor Bittar returned Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.