Barstool Sports president Dave Portnoy recently opened up about his experience with antisemitism.
Portnoy sat down for an interview with CBS News’ Tony Dokoupil. The interview will air Sunday, but CBS has already published some of Portnoy’s comments.
“For me, being a Jewish person, like, you got to step up,” Portnoy told Dokoupil. “You’re kind of someone people look up to in the Jewish community. You have to be, like, ‘All right, this is not normal ha-ha with the guys. People are coming up with real hate.’”
Recent antisemitism incident in Mississippi
While filming one of his “One Bite” pizza reviews outside of Boardtown Pizza & Pints in Starkville, Mississippi, a man yelled antisemitic and expletive-filled comments at Portnoy.
The incident was captured in Portnoy’s review, which he shared on social media Monday.
The Starkville residents watching Portnoy film his review defended him and apologized for the man’s behavior.
This “One Bite” review was longer than usual as Portnoy edited in another video where he addressed the incident.
“Imagine hating somebody just because of their religion in this (expletive) country,” Portnoy said in the video.
Starkville Police have arrested and charged Patrick McClintock, 20, with disturbing the peace.
“Every person has the right to feel safe and respected in our community. Offensive words alone are protected, but when behavior disrupts a public event or risks violence, the Starkville Police Department will take steps to help maintain safety and security,” Starkville Police told CBS News.
Portnoy, who was recently in both Provo and Salt Lake City for Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff,” said the incident didn’t ruin his perception of Starkville or its residents.
He thanked them for rallying around him.
“Now on a brighter note, this didn’t ruin my week. This incident didn’t ruin my day — maybe one minute," he said.
Portnoy later added, “I don’t want sympathy or apologies. I want outrage, and I have it.”
Portnoy has noticed an increase in antisemitism, even just directed at him.
“It’s every day now. Like, there’s a definitive shift in what’s going on,” he told CBS News.
Portnoy takes the threats made against him online seriously and “has installed round-the-clock security at his house,” according to CBS.
“It only takes one,” he said.
Portnoy’s full interview with Dokoupil will air Sunday on “CBS Sunday Morning.”