Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is speaking out after a heated interview with an ABC News Philadelphia reporter regarding an antisemitic sign displayed at his Sansom Street bar.
Portnoy Accuses ABC News of Bait-and-Switch Tactic
On Monday, Portnoy posted a video on social media where he claimed ABC News lured him into an interview under false pretenses. According to him, the network initially asked him to speak with one reporter—but a different journalist showed up unannounced.
“They begged me to do the interview, then pulled a bait-and-switch. Someone completely different shows up and takes the conversation in a totally different direction,” Portnoy said in the video.
Interview Turns Tense Over Antisemitism Allegations
What started as basic questions about the bar incident soon turned into what Portnoy described as an ambush. The reporter allegedly accused him, Barstool Sports, and “white men” of contributing to a culture of harassment, citing vague sources from unnamed university professors.
“She brought up some quote from a so-called academic journal, supposedly from the University of Virginia, saying Barstool encourages harassment,” Portnoy explained. “But she couldn’t name the source or verify the claim.”
Frustrated, Portnoy pushed back, asking for names, citations, or real evidence—none of which were provided. His team began recording the interview as tensions rose.
Portnoy Defends Barstool, Calls Out College Campuses
Portnoy turned the tables during the interview, arguing that modern college campuses are responsible for far more hate than his media company.
“Jewish students are being harassed daily on college campuses, and no one talks about it,” he said. “Barstool Sports is not the enemy here.”
When the reporter insisted she was the one conducting the interview, Portnoy replied, “I run a major media company too. I get to ask questions.”
The interview ended abruptly after Portnoy slammed his laptop shut.
Incident at Barstool’s Philadelphia Bar Sparks Outrage
The controversy began over the weekend when a disturbing act occurred at Portnoy’s bar in Philadelphia. A Temple University student receiving bottle service reportedly had a waitress display a sign that read, “F*** Jews.”
Portnoy, who is Jewish, expressed outrage and heartbreak on social media, stating that he shook for hours after learning about the incident.
Immediate Action and Educational Response
Portnoy took swift action, firing all staff members involved. He also announced plans to send the individuals responsible to Auschwitz, the site of the former Nazi concentration camp, in an effort to educate them on the horrors of antisemitism.
“My goal is to turn something ugly into a lesson that sticks,” he said.
So @6abc begged me to do an interview about the incident at our bar. Since it was local I agreed. Then the reporter tried to say Barstool and I and white men were responsible for the incident. Austin started recording once it got contentious pic.twitter.com/ug8CX83HHp
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) May 5, 2025
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