Two of New York's most influential gay men and business owners have apologized to the LGBT community for hosting a dinner for Republican presidential hopeful Sen. Ted Cruz, the Texas senator who has taken a strong stance against same-sex marriage and other LGBT rights.

In a Facebook post, Ian Reisner, owner of Parkview Developers with Mati Weiderpass, apologized for hosting a dinner at his home for Sen. Cruz on April 20.

"I am shaken to my bones by the e-mails, texts, postings and phone calls of the past few days. I made a terrible mistake. I was ignorant, naive and much too quick in accepting a request to co-host a dinner with Cruz at my home without taking the time to completely understand all of his positions on gay rights," Reisner wrote.

"I've spent the past 24 hours reviewing videos of Cruz' statements on gay marriage and I am shocked and angry. I sincerely apologize for hurting the gay community and so many of our friends, family, allies, customers and employees."

He and Weiderpass own Out NYC, the city's first gay-centric hotel, which also houses the XL Nightclub. Weiderpass also apologized on social media.

However, their apologies may be too little too late.

The LGBT community has not taken in kind the reception of Sen. Cruz, who has spoken many times against LGBT rights. Protests sprung outside the hotel Monday evening after the reception and dinner became public.

According to the Advocate, various LGBT organizations have cancelled events at XL and Out NYC, including an AIDS Walk NYC pep rally intended for May 5 and events by the New York City Gay Men's Chorus and Broadway Bares Solo Strips.

Sen. Cruz was fundraising in New York when he was invited as the guest of honor to Reisner and Weiderpass' home, according to the New York Times. The business partners were once a couple and now own a luxurious Manhattan penthouse. At the dinner, Sen. Cruz dodged commenting on marriage equality, saying it was a decision for the states. But his tone on gay topics was different.

"Ted Cruz said, 'If one of my daughters was gay, I would love them just as much,'" Reisner said. However, the discussion the discussion mainly focused on foreign affairs, especially Israel.

"Ted Cruz was on point on every issue that has to do with national security," said Sam Domb, the event's third host and another business part of Reisner and Weiderpass.

In a statement to the Washington Examiner, Sen. Cruz also asserted the same, adding his views on marriage equality had not changed.

"The purpose of the meeting and the primary topics of conversation were national security, foreign policy, and America's commitment to standing with Israel," he said. "On the subject of marriage, when asked, I stated directly and unambiguously what everyone in the room already knew, that I oppose gay marriage and I support traditional marriage."

Sen. Cruz called himself a "big tent Republican," saying: "I'm happy to go anywhere to anyone to champion conservative values. We're not always going to agree on everything. ... But at the same time, I'm hoping to offer enough bold leadership on a broad slate of issues that many voters will decide we agree on far more than we disagree."