I don't think it's people being apologists at all.
Weistman is now a social media "bro" influencer millionaire with millions of followers.
He is transactional in his approach. He does X and expects Y in publicity opportunities to build on his celebrity.
The "papered" SM influencer is a new paradigm business strategy that has developed in the last decade.
You don't have to like that model or the influencer.
I'm not particularly fond of it.
But I recognize it's here to stay and recognize his money is still green.
He has significant financial resources and is willing to extend them in a donor capacity.
You find a way to compromise and get him and his resources involved.
You don't slam the door on him and stick your head in the sand "ok boomer" style because he wants to donate and operate in ways you don't understand or don't like.
Other programs are figuring out how to work with these types of influencers and recognize their money is still green.
E.g.
We should be able to do similar or at least give it a try..