In a shocking incident that has garnered widespread attention, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy reacted with outrage after a video surfaced showing an antisemitic sign displayed at his Philadelphia bar, Barstool Sansom Street. The sign, which read "F The Jews," was showcased during a night of bottle service on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and was initially highlighted by the social media account @StopAntisemites.
Portnoy, who was preparing for the Met Gala when he learned of the incident, expressed his fury in an emergency press conference video posted on his X account. He confirmed that he was "shaking" with anger, stating, "You think I'm going to put up with this s at my bar?" He elaborated on his immediate response, saying he had been hunting down the waitresses involved and the patrons who ordered the sign, demanding accountability for their actions.
"I've been so fing mad for the last two hours. Like, I instantly got on, and this is why the emergency press conference is late, because I was so over the top," Portnoy explained. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that those responsible faced consequences, stating, "I'm going to make it my life’s fing mission to ruin these people. I’m coming at your throat, I’m never ending." His reaction highlighted a broader concern over rising antisemitism, which he noted has increased significantly over the past year and a half.
In a follow-up statement, Portnoy revealed that the waitresses involved had already been fired. He mentioned a conversation with one of the staff members, whom he described as "one of the dumbest f***ing humans I've ever talked to." He also indicated that he would be sending the individuals responsible for the sign to Auschwitz to learn about the Holocaust, framing it as a potential teaching moment rather than a punitive measure. "We’re gonna send these kids to Auschwitz. They’re gonna do a tour of the concentration camps, hopefully learn something," Portnoy said.
Portnoy's approach has drawn mixed reactions. While some praised his swift action, others questioned whether sending the individuals to Auschwitz would truly serve as a meaningful educational experience. Portnoy himself acknowledged the complexity of the situation, admitting that his initial reaction was to "burn these people to the ground, their families, everything." However, he opted for a more constructive path, hoping to turn a "hideous incident" into a learning opportunity.
As the story unfolded, it became clear that the incident had implications beyond the bar itself. Temple University, where at least one student involved in the incident was identified, responded with a statement condemning antisemitism. President John Fry emphasized that such behavior has no place at the university and that any students found to be involved would face strict disciplinary action, including possible expulsion.
Portnoy's proactive stance reflects an increasing awareness of antisemitism in various sectors, including sports and media. The Anti-Defamation League has reported a surge in incidents, with a record high of over 9,000 antisemitic occurrences in the U.S. last year, many linked to broader societal tensions. The rise in hate crimes has prompted public figures like Portnoy to take a stand, using their platforms to address issues of discrimination and intolerance.
The incident at Barstool Sansom Street serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in combating hate speech and antisemitism. Portnoy's commitment to addressing the issue head-on may set a precedent for other business leaders and public figures to follow suit in their own communities.
As investigations continue, both the Philadelphia police and Temple University are looking into the incident, hoping to ensure that such acts are not tolerated. The situation remains fluid, with Portnoy vowing to keep a close eye on his establishments to prevent future occurrences and protect the integrity of his brand.
In the wake of this incident, Portnoy has reiterated his dedication to fighting against antisemitism, not just within his bars but in society at large. He has called for a collective effort to educate individuals about the consequences of hate speech and to foster a culture of understanding and respect.
This episode highlights the critical need for ongoing dialogue about antisemitism and the responsibilities of public figures in addressing hate. As the story develops, it will be interesting to see how Portnoy's actions influence the conversation around antisemitism in America and whether his approach will inspire others to take a stand against discrimination.
Ultimately, Portnoy’s response to the antisemitic sign at his bar may serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging others in positions of influence to confront hate and promote education as a means of healing and understanding.
