In Video: Mississippi student arrested after alleged antisemitic remarks targeting Dave Portnoy
Rising Tide of Anti-Semitism: Dave Portnoy Confronts Online and Real-Life Incidents
Dave Portnoy, the outspoken Jewish founder of Barstool Sports, has been at the center of a disturbing trend of anti-Semitic incidents, both online and in real life. The latest incident occurred outside a pizza shop in Starkville, Mississippi, where a passerby hurled a coin at Portnoy and yelled an anti-Semitic remark.
A Viral Pizza Review Becomes a Flashpoint
The incident began as an innocent pizza review, with Portnoy posting a one-bite review on social media. However, things took a turn when a bystander, later identified as Patrick McClintock, a Mississippi State University student, joined the scene, launching a barrage of abuse at Portnoy.
Offline and Online, Anti-Semitism on the Rise
According to a September poll, nearly 70% of Jewish Americans see anti-Semitic content online or on social media at least once a month. This includes incidents such as the server bringing a sign reading “F the Jews” to customers at one of Portnoy’s bars in Philadelphia.
A Shift in Attitudes and Behavior
Portnoy attributes the uptick in anti-Semitism to the online rhetoric and social media platforms. “I guarantee you, Patrick McClintock hates his life and he needs a reason why he hates it and wants an easy answer. Oh, it’s the Jews’ fault,” Portnoy said in an interview.
Portnoy’s Background and Controversies
Portnoy has been a polarizing figure, facing criticism for his male-oriented content and sexist jokes. He has also been accused of making racially insensitive comments, which he denies. Recently, he apologized for broadcasters associated with Barstool spreading false rumors about a college student, Mary Kate Connerton.
Free Speech and Cancel Culture
In an interview earlier this year, Portnoy railed against cancel culture and advocated for free speech. “I stand by almost everything I’ve said. I think some things may be out of context misconstrued, but if you have a fan base that knows you, that truly knows you, and mine does for like they’ve been falling for 20 years, they’ll they’ll have your back,” he said.
The Rise of Portnoy’s Star
Despite controversies surrounding his comments, Portnoy’s star continues to rise. He has recently cut a major deal with Fox Sports to contribute to their college football coverage.
A Call to Action
The Starkville police department has spoken out against the heckler’s behavior, stating that while free speech is protected by law, behavior that disrupts a public event or risks violence is not.
