Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy recently shared a disturbing encounter during a pizza review in Starkville, Mississippi, where he faced antisemitic abuse. This incident has prompted Portnoy to speak out about the influence of social media in escalating hate speech and creating a toxic online atmosphere.
During an appearance on ‘My View with Lara Trump,’ Portnoy recounted how a young man approached him, shouting antisemitic slurs and throwing coins. Portnoy, who identifies as Jewish, expressed alarm over the rising prevalence of hate speech and the underlying factors that enable its spread. He attributed the situation to a combination of issues, including inadequate responses to hateful behavior in educational institutions and the role of social media platforms in amplifying such sentiments.
Portnoy described the internet as a “cesspool,” asserting that social media allows individuals to express their views under the cover of anonymity. He stated, “Social media has allowed what I would think faceless names who… live in a corner of their own lives, and they’re not normal people… to express themselves online.” This anonymity not only emboldens individuals to voice their hateful ideologies but also facilitates the formation of echo chambers, where like-minded individuals can reinforce one another’s beliefs.
The public’s reaction to the incident provided a glimmer of hope for Portnoy. Bystanders confronted the perpetrator immediately, and many later reached out to apologize for the encounter. While he appreciated these gestures, Portnoy stressed the importance of broader societal condemnation of such behaviors, stating he is more interested in collective outrage against antisemitism than in personal apologies.
Following the incident, Patrick McClintock, a 20-year-old former student at Mississippi State University, was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace. Witnesses reported hearing him shout, “Hey, f— the Jews, f— you, Dave.” Portnoy reiterated his concern for the normalization of hate speech and highlighted the daily hateful messages he receives on platforms like X and Instagram, often from anonymous users.
He pointed out that these online spaces provide validation for individuals who harbor hateful views and foster communities that perpetuate intolerance. Portnoy noted that the lack of accountability on social media contributes significantly to the problem, allowing individuals to express their views without fear of repercussions.
As the conversation around hate speech and social media continues to evolve, Portnoy’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those in the public eye. He emphasized the need for a strong societal rejection of antisemitism and a concerted effort to address the factors that enable its proliferation. The incident in Starkville is not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern that calls for urgent attention and action.
