Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy’s Response to Antisemitic Incident Draws Praise and Discussion
Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, has garnered both praise and sparked debate over his handling of an antisemitic incident that occurred at one of the company’s bars in Philadelphia. The incident involved a sign displaying the phrase "f— the Jews," which was met with laughter and dancing by some patrons.
Portnoy initially reacted with anger, vowing to "ruin" those responsible. However, he later tempered his response, opting for a more educational approach. His evolving stance and ultimate decision to send the individuals involved to Auschwitz, the site of a former Nazi concentration camp, to learn about the Holocaust have been met with a mix of support and criticism.
Several prominent figures have voiced their support for Portnoy’s actions. Ben Stiller initially agreed with Portnoy’s initial "scorched-earth" approach. Senator Dave McCormick commended Portnoy for addressing the incident promptly and using it as an opportunity to educate people about the history of antisemitism. McCormick stated, "We can’t look the other way at antisemitism. It needs to be identified, called out, and crushed whenever it rears its ugly head."
X CEO Linda Yaccarino also praised Portnoy, writing, "Everyone needs to call out antisemitism when they see it. Thank you @stoolpresidente for doing the real work to ensure change." Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya described the decision to send the individuals to Auschwitz as "a great use of money," while ex-MMA fighter Chael Sonnen hailed it as "True Leadership."
Portnoy explained his initial reaction and subsequent change of heart in a video. He acknowledged the rise in antisemitism he has experienced in recent years, stating, "I’ve been doing Barstool for 20 years, I’ve had more hate, more antisemitism in the last year, year and a half, than I’ve ever had doing it." He emphasized that this hate extended beyond political discourse, targeting his family and heritage.
While his initial impulse was to "burn these people to the ground," Portnoy ultimately decided that a more constructive approach was needed. He stated, "Maybe I can use this as a teaching moment."
Portnoy contacted the individuals involved and their families, and they agreed to travel to Auschwitz. He also collaborated with Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, whose foundation supports anti-hate initiatives. The goal is to provide the individuals with a firsthand understanding of the horrors of the Holocaust and the consequences of hate.
"We’re gonna send these kids to Auschwitz. They’re gonna do a tour of the concentration camps (in Poland). Hopefully learn something. Maybe their lives aren’t ruined, and they think twice and, more importantly, other people see it’s not just words you’re throwing around. To me, that’s a fair outcome of this event," Portnoy explained.
In addition to sending the individuals to Auschwitz, Portnoy confirmed that two waitresses involved in the incident were fired.
The incident and Portnoy’s response have sparked a broader conversation about antisemitism and how to address it. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a record high number of antisemitic incidents in the U.S. last year, with a significant portion being related to Israel. This increase has been attributed, in part, to the recent conflict in the Middle East.
Portnoy’s decision to send the individuals to Auschwitz has been met with mixed reactions. Some argue that it is a fitting punishment and a powerful educational tool. Others believe that it is insensitive or that it places undue burden on the victims of the Holocaust. Still others contend that education should be provided in a more controlled and structured setting.
The debate surrounding Portnoy’s actions highlights the complexity of addressing antisemitism and hate speech. There is no single solution, and different approaches may be appropriate in different situations. However, the importance of condemning antisemitism and promoting education and understanding is undeniable.
The incident at the Barstool Sports bar serves as a reminder that antisemitism remains a persistent problem in society. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to combat hate and promote tolerance. The response to the incident, including Portnoy’s actions, has the potential to raise awareness and inspire further dialogue about this critical issue.
