Barstool Sports staff have distanced themselves from Dave Portnoy due to his intention to feature an anti-Semitic comedian on the platform.
On a recent episode of The Unknown Show, Portnoy and Kirk Minihane engaged in a heated discussion about various content creators who criticized Portnoy’s handling of a recent anti-Semitic incident that took place at a bar he owns in Philadelphia.
As tensions escalated, Minihane expressed frustration, telling Portnoy not to tell him to “shut up.”
Warning: Graphic Language
“I closed f-k and b-k,” Portnoy shot back. “What do you think?”
“Okay, go ahead,” Minihane replied. “I won’t recover from it. Dave, continue.”
“Well, you’re like a big boss man. You’re a little bitch. You work for me,” Portnoy stated.
“For now,” Minihane responded.
“For now? Stop it and save $500K,” Portnoy remarked.
Previously, a Temple student named Mo Khan posted a video on social media showing a sign at Portnoy’s bar that read: “F-K The Jews.”
Portnoy attempted to engage Khan in a conversation, even offering to send him on an educational trip to the Auschwitz concentration camp.
However, when Khan later denied his involvement in the incident, Portnoy called him a “co-sick.” This led to further criticism, with some calling him “Rabbi Dave” and disputing his reactions to the situation.
Portnoy showed his displeasure when Minihane suggested inviting someone to talk beyond the average critiques at his Barstool show. “I hate this kid,” he said, referring to Khan. “I think he’s an anti-Semitic of s-t.”
When discussing a particular “Jewish joke,” Portnoy mentioned it had overstepped boundaries. Minihane countered by questioning whether comedians should be restricted in what they say. “You’re telling the comedians not to joke around,” he said, pushing for more openness around humor.
Minihane expressed his intent to elevate discussions on the show, noting that he thought it would be interesting to have conversations with those Portnoy opposes. “I was wrong,” he added, after Portnoy expressed reluctance.
In a follow-up video, Portnoy reiterated his perspective.
“It’s about bigger things. Clips are taken out of context,” he explained. “People say things like ‘Dave wants to regulate Jewish jokes’ when that’s not my stance.” He addressed concerns regarding recent incidents involving violence against Jewish individuals, clarifying his position on the matter.
“After the incident with the sign at my bar and my reaction, trolls claimed I was in the wrong for addressing it,” he concluded.
