Picture this: you’re out with friends at a trendy new spot in Philadelphia, and suddenly someone holds up a neon sign screaming a hateful slur.
That’s exactly what happened at Barstool Sansom Street over the weekend—an incident that brought founder Dave Portnoy front and center in a very grim way.
Portnoy’s Immediate, Fiery Response
When video of the sign reading “F*** the Jews” went viral, an outraged Portnoy—who’s Jewish himself—took to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday to detail his next steps.
He announced he’d fired two waitstaff implicated in the stunt and identified the two customers who ordered the abhorrent message.
Portnoy even reached out to Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism to arrange an educational trip to Auschwitz for those responsible.
ABC Philly “Ambush” Interview Sparks Outrage
By Monday, Portnoy agreed to talk to ABC Philadelphia—only to feel ambushed.
He complained that the reporter “pulled a quote out of her a**” from a fictitious journal article, blaming Barstool’s culture for the slur.
When Portnoy challenged her to name the source—she vaguely cited two University of Virginia professors—he rejected the premise outright and slammed his laptop shut, calling her a “f*ing ahole” before storming off.
From Barstool to Auschwitz: A Controversial “Teaching Moment”
Portnoy’s most eyebrow‑raising idea was suggesting the culprits visit Auschwitz as a form of atonement and education.
He believes confronting history firsthand could help them understand the true horror behind their hate.
It’s a bold, unconventional move designed to turn punishment into reflection.
Temple University and Police Launch Inquiries
Meanwhile, Temple University has suspended one student believed to be involved, according to school president John Fry.
Philadelphia police are also investigating, with spokesperson Officer Tanya Little promising updates “as soon as possible.” The fallout is just beginning.
Portnoy on Facing Rising Anti‑Semitism
Portnoy admitted he’s encountered more anti‑Semitism in the past year than ever before.
This latest episode has forced him to grapple with hatred closer to home—and to take decisive, public action.
What’s Next for Barstool and Philly’s Bar Scene?
As Barstool Sports navigates this crisis, questions loom: Will educational trips to Holocaust sites become a model for corporate accountability?
Can Portnoy’s brand survive under the weight of such controversy? One thing’s clear: a simple night out in Philly has sparked a much larger conversation about hate, responsibility, and the power of confronting history head-on.