Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy publicly criticized a reporter from ABC’s Philadelphia affiliate after a contentious interview about an anti-Semitic sign displayed at one of his bars, calling the exchange a “bait and switch” and accusing the journalist Katie Katro of misrepresenting the discussion.
Portnoy addressed the incident on social media, alleging that 6ABC initially asked him to participate in an interview about the anti-Semitic message — which read “F— the Jews” — seen at one of his affiliated establishments.
He said he agreed to the request because it was a local story, but claimed a different reporter than originally scheduled conducted the interview and shifted the tone unexpectedly.
Portnoy asked the reported who creates more anti-semitism, college campuses or Barstool Sports. She paused for what seemed like an hour, as her brain processed the question, before she said, “I’m the journalist!”
“She does what a media scumbag does,” Portnoy said in a video posted to his X (formerly Twitter) account. He said the reporter quoted a journal article referencing Barstool Sports’ culture, attributing rising harassment to media led by “white men.”
Portnoy, a Jew himself was being blamed for the sign.
In the recording shared by Portnoy, the Barstool founder questioned the legitimacy of the quote and challenged the source, saying, “Where are the professors from?” The reporter later cited the University of Virginia. Portnoy argued the reporter failed to substantiate the claim and accused her of injecting editorial bias.
Interview ends abruptly after clash over source credibility
The exchange escalated when Portnoy pressed the reporter about her own views and refused to continue the interview when she declined to answer. “You’re quoting two people I have no idea who they are from a made-up journal,” Portnoy said.
The interview ended shortly after.
Following the incident, Portnoy posted an extended video criticizing both 6ABC and the journalist involved. He reiterated his stance condemning the anti-Semitic sign and expressed frustration over how the interview was handled.
The original incident that triggered the interview involved a sign with a slur targeting Jewish people allegedly displayed at a Barstool-branded venue. Portnoy has previously stated he was not present and did not condone the message.