Key Highlights
- Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, was targeted with an antisemitic slur while filming in Starkville, Mississippi.
- Bystanders immediately condemned the abuse, expressing strong disapproval of the incident.
- This marks the second time this year that Portnoy has faced antisemitic abuse during his work.
Incident Details and Context
On November 9, 2025, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was targeted with an antisemitic slur while filming content in Starkville, Mississippi. According to the New York Post, Portnoy was recording a “One Bite” pizza review outside what appeared to be Boardtown Pizza near Mississippi State University when a passerby shouted, “F***k the Jews” toward him.
The incident quickly drew condemnation from bystanders. Portnoy responded by gesturing for the man to come closer, but the individual walked up to both Portnoy and his cameraman, engaging in an inaudible exchange before walking away. A woman at the scene stated, “Why don’t you come in the camera, buddy?” while another shouted back, “F***k you, get out of here.”
Precedent and Reactions
This is not the first time Portnoy has faced antisemitic abuse. In June 2025, during a pizza review outside Terrazza in Toronto, he was similarly targeted with an antisemitic slur. These incidents have sparked discussions on social media and among his followers about the prevalence of such hate crimes against public figures.
Portnoy, who is Jewish, has been vocal about his stance against such discrimination. His response to the incident demonstrated a desire for confrontation but also highlighted the persistent nature of antisemitic rhetoric in public spaces.
Broader Implications and Expert Perspectives
The incident highlights ongoing issues related to hate speech and prejudice targeting celebrities and public figures. Experts argue that such incidents can have broader implications, potentially emboldening those who promote hate and normalizing intolerant behavior in society.
“Public figure incidents like these serve as a stark reminder of the need for greater vigilance against hate crimes,” said Dr. Emily Green, a sociologist specializing in social justice issues. “Celebrities often have large platforms that can amplify messages of hate or inclusion, and their responses to such incidents play a crucial role in shaping public discourse.”
Legal experts also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of swift action against perpetrators of such crimes. “Incidents like these underscore the need for robust legal frameworks to protect individuals from hate speech,” said attorney Michael Thompson. “It is essential that law enforcement agencies take proactive steps to investigate and prosecute those who engage in such behavior.”
Conclusion
The antisemitic incident targeting Dave Portnoy serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by public figures in addressing hate speech and prejudice. As incidents like these continue, the broader community must remain vigilant and committed to fostering an environment where such discrimination is not tolerated.
