Dave Portnoy Faces Anti-Semitic Comments During Pizza Review
Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, encountered anti-Semitic remarks while filming a pizza review in Toronto. During the review at Terrazza, he was outside the shop, holding a pizza box, when someone shouted “F-K Jews” at him as they walked by.
“Look, we’re going, we’re going,” Portnoy, who is Jewish, responded after hearing the comment.
Behind him, a group of young Barstool Sports fans began laughing, prompting Portnoy to address them, asking, “What are you guys laughing at?” He urged them to be more serious, asserting that everyone understands the rules here.
“It’s terrible, it’s awful,” remarked his companion Bill, who was filming the segment in Canada with Portnoy.
This incident occurred about a month after a server at a Philadelphia Barstool Sports location allegedly displayed a sign that read “F-K Jews” during a bottle service event. Following that event, two servers were dismissed and two students from Temple University faced suspensions.
Barstool issued a statement expressing disappointment and embarrassment over the unacceptable behavior from both customers and staff. “Would anyone dare display such a sign at my bar? Do you think I’m just going to sit idly by? I’m on a mission to address this,” Portnoy emphasized.
He added, “I’m taking responsibility here. I’m trying to keep things under control, but trust me, I’m actively working on it.” There was a sense of urgency in his voice as he discussed the matter.
Portnoy even extended an invitation to Auschwitz, Poland, as a way for two individuals involved to better educate themselves. However, he later stated he would not take responsibility for the incident, especially after the Temple students posted images of the offensive sign on social media.
His plans for the trip to Poland were subsequently canceled. “It’s like I’m trying to turn this into a teaching moment and extend a lifeline to someone, but how can I when they’re already caught up in that kind of behavior?” Portnoy concluded.
