Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, recently made headlines when he vowed to take down individuals who purchased an antisemitic sign at his Barstool Sansom Street bar in Philadelphia. The incident came to light after a video circulated online showing bottle-service waitresses holding up an illuminated sign that read, “F–k the Jews.” Portnoy, who is Jewish himself, expressed his outrage in an Instagram video, declaring that he was on a mission to hold the responsible parties accountable.
In his emotional video, Portnoy mentioned that he had been tirelessly working to identify those involved in the offensive act. He made it clear that he would not tolerate such behavior at his establishment and was determined to ensure there were consequences for their actions. The 48-year-old social media personality emphasized that he was actively pursuing leads and had already spoken to one of the waitresses, whom he referred to as a “total idiot.”
Despite one of the individuals claiming not to be antisemitic, Portnoy was resolute in his pursuit of justice. He adamantly stated, “I’m going to make it my life’s f—king mission to ruin these people. I’m coming for your throat. I’m never ending.” He conveyed his commitment to exposing the culprits and holding them accountable for their offensive actions.
Portnoy also revealed that he intended to turn the incident into a “teaching moment” by offering to send the individuals responsible for the sign to Germany to learn about the Holocaust and Auschwitz concentration camps. In a subsequent video, he appeared calmer as he discussed this plan, showcasing his determination to educate those involved about the historical significance of their actions.
Following the incident, Barstool Sansom Street issued an apology on Instagram, acknowledging the role they played in allowing hate speech to occur at their establishment. Additionally, Temple University took action by placing the individual who purchased the sign on interim suspension. University president John Fry condemned the antisemitic act, emphasizing that such behavior had no place at the institution.
The entire ordeal shed light on the importance of addressing and confronting acts of hatred and discrimination. Portnoy’s unwavering determination to seek justice and educate those involved serves as a reminder of the impact of standing up against antisemitism and promoting understanding and tolerance in society. The incident at Barstool Sansom Street serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of spreading hate and the need for accountability in the face of such actions.
