Philadelphia Police Investigate Antisemitic Incident at Barstool Sports Bar

Philadelphia police have launched a formal investigation into a deeply disturbing antisemitic incident that unfolded at a Barstool Sports-branded bar in the city over the weekend. The incident, captured in a now-viral video circulating on social media, has ignited widespread condemnation and triggered a swift response from both law enforcement and Barstool Sports founder, Dave Portnoy.

The video at the center of the controversy depicts bottle-service girls at the bar presenting a sign emblazoned with the offensive phrase "f— the Jews." The clip’s rapid dissemination across social media platforms has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.

Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, reacted with vehement condemnation of the incident. While his initial response generated some controversy, his firm stance against antisemitism was ultimately praised by many. He initially announced his intention to send the two individuals involved to Auschwitz, the site of the infamous Nazi concentration camp in Poland, with the aim of educating them about the Holocaust and the atrocities committed against Jewish people. While this action was seen as controversial, many agreed with the intent behind the action.

Law enforcement officials in Philadelphia have confirmed that they are actively investigating the incident. According to a statement provided to Fox News Digital by the Philadelphia Police Department, "We are currently looking into this matter. A video has surfaced showing a sign at the Philly Barstool bar, located at 1213 Sansom Street, reportedly from Saturday night. We are working to gather more information and will provide an update as soon as possible."

The incident occurred at a Barstool Sports-branded bar situated on Sansom Street in Philadelphia’s Center City neighborhood. The bar has also issued a public statement expressing remorse and outlining the actions taken in response to the incident.

The bar’s statement reads: "We are saddened, embarrassed, and frustrated by the deplorable actions of a customer and misguided staff acting outside the scope of their duties, which resulted in anti-semitic hate speech last evening at our establishment. We deeply apologize for the role we played in allowing hate speech to transpire, as we constantly strive to create a welcoming and accepting atmosphere for all groups."

The bar further stated that the two employees directly involved in the incident have been terminated from their positions. The swiftness of this response underscores the bar’s commitment to addressing the matter and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Temple University, a prominent educational institution in Philadelphia, has also been drawn into the controversy. The university confirmed that one of its students was involved in the incident. In response, the student has been placed on interim suspension, pending further investigation and disciplinary proceedings.

Temple University President John Fry issued a strongly worded statement condemning antisemitism and reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of its community.

"In the strongest terms possible, let me be clear: antisemitism is abhorrent," President Fry stated. "It has no place at Temple and acts of hatred and discrimination against any person or persons are not tolerated at this university."

President Fry further emphasized that any additional students found to be involved in the incident will face strict disciplinary action, potentially including expulsion.

"Any additional students who are found to be involved will face strict disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code, up to and including expulsion," he said. "I know that incidents like this do not represent our community and its values. Thank you for your support and continued commitment to ensuring that Temple provides a safe and welcoming environment to all its students, faculty, staff, and neighbors."

The incident at the Barstool Sports bar has resonated deeply within the Philadelphia community and beyond, highlighting the persistent threat of antisemitism and the importance of actively combating hate speech and discrimination. The swift responses from law enforcement, Barstool Sports, the bar itself, and Temple University demonstrate a collective commitment to addressing the incident and sending a clear message that antisemitism will not be tolerated.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the individuals involved. The community awaits the results of the investigation and hopes that it will lead to appropriate accountability and contribute to a broader effort to combat antisemitism and promote understanding and respect among all groups.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to address hate speech and discrimination in all its forms. It underscores the importance of education, dialogue, and community engagement in fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society. The incident at the Barstool Sports bar is not an isolated event but rather a reflection of the broader challenges that society faces in combating prejudice and promoting equality. It is a call to action for individuals, institutions, and communities to work together to create a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.