Dave Portnoy has never been one to mix his words. He rose to fame, in part because he was willing to speak his mind, irrespective of who it offended. That's Barstool's entire brand: if it's funny, relatable and timely, then speak on it.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that "Stool Presidente" lost his cool with a man in Mississippi on Friday, Nov. 7. In fairness, Portnoy had good reason, as the college student can be heard shouting an anti-semitic slur during one of Portnoy's pizza review videos.
"Why don't you come on the camera, buddy?" Portnoy can be heard saying.
The interaction then moved away from the microphone before Portnoy's entourage began shouting insults toward the man.
College Campuses Are Becoming a Hotbed for Antisemitism
According to The Guardian, reports of antisemitism have sharply risen in recent years, with campuses being a key issue.
"US government investigations into universities over antisemitism allegations surged following the 7 October 2023 attacks and Israel's subsequent war in Gaza, with more investigations open in the last two months of that year than in the two decades prior, according to a report published on Monday that was shared exclusively with the Guardian," The Guardian reported.
Portnoy is a high-profile member of society and has proven willing to confront antisemitic views if he deems it necessary. Therefore, the student in the video would have known his comments would spark a response, and that is likely part of why he chose to do it.
Dave Portnoy Previously Called Out His Own Employees
Earlier this year, a Temple University student visited a Portnoy-owned bar in Philadelphia. The bar offers customizable letterboards that are served with drinks. Upon entering the establishment, the customer asked the staff to arrange an antisemitic message on his board. The staff, despite their training and the bar's zero-tolerance policy, proceeded to create the sign.
According to the New York Times, those employees were then investigated and fired. Portnoy also took to social media to share his anger toward the customers who requested the sign in the first place.
"I've been shaking, I've been so mad," Portnoy said. "I'm gonna make it my life mission to ruin these people, like I'm coming for your throat."
Unfortunately, Portnoy will have a much tougher time finding the man responsible for the Nov. 7 incident. Still, that won't stop the Barstool president from speaking out on the continued growth in hate speech toward the Jewish community, and nor should it.
