Dave Portnoy Targeted in Antisemitic Attack During Pizza Review

The Incident in Starkville

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was the target of a disturbing antisemitic attack on November 7, 2025, while filming his popular "One Bite" pizza review in Starkville, Mississippi. The incident occurred outside Boardtown Pizza, where Portnoy was conducting his usual taste-test routine when a passerby shouted "F–k the Jews" and hurled coins at him.

The confrontation escalated quickly as Portnoy, who is Jewish, immediately halted filming to confront the heckler. "Why don't you come in the camera, buddy? Why don't you come here?" Portnoy challenged the individual. Nearby patrons quickly rallied to Portnoy's defense, with one diner shouting "Get out of here!" and another declaring "Not cool!" in response to the hate-filled outburst.

Public Outcry and Condemnation

The incident sparked immediate condemnation from onlookers and online observers alike. Diners at the pizzeria united against the antisemitic tirade, creating a powerful moment of solidarity. Witnesses captured the confrontation on video, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, drawing widespread criticism of the hate speech.

"This isn't just about me," Portnoy later stated. "When you see that level of hate in a public space, it demands a response. I'm proud of how the people at Boardtown Pizza handled it." The local community's swift rejection of bigotry highlighted the broader societal rejection of such rhetoric.

A Troubling Pattern

This marks the second time Portnoy has faced harassment specifically targeting his Jewish heritage. The incident raises concerns about rising antisemitism in public spaces and the targeting of high-profile Jewish figures. Barstool Sports has historically condemned hate speech, with Portnoy frequently using his platform to advocate for inclusivity.

Broader Implications

Law enforcement officials have been notified of the incident, which potentially constitutes a hate crime. The FBI defines hate crimes as "criminal offenses against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity."

Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly supportive of Portnoy, with many praising his direct confrontation of bigotry. "Dave's response was exactly what's needed," commented one Twitter user. "Silence enables hate." The incident has reignited discussions about combating antisemitism in America's heartland and beyond.

Moving Forward

As the investigation continues, Portnoy has indicated he will continue his pizza reviews undeterred. "If letting people see me get targeted stops this from happening to someone else, then it's worth it," he said. Boardtown Pizza management released a statement reaffirming their commitment to "welcoming all customers regardless of background or belief."

This incident serves as a stark reminder that antisemitism remains a persistent threat in public spaces. The swift community response offers hope, but the underlying issues require continued vigilance and education to ensure such hate-filled encounters become a thing of the past.