Antisemitic Message at Barstool Sports Bar Sparks Outrage in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — The Anti-Defamation League is currently evaluating an antisemitic incident that took place at a Center City bar owned by Barstool Sports Founder, Dave Portnoy. The situation arose when a Temple University student was suspended after a video of the incident went viral on social media.

On Saturday night, patrons at Barstool Sansom Street displayed a sign reading, “F— the Jews,” as part of their bottle service order. Portnoy, who is Jewish and expressed his outrage on social media, called it an “emergency press conference.” He stated, “I’ve been shaking,” and added, “How do I make this f—— right?” Portnoy assured viewers he was actively investigating the matter.

Rabbi David Kushner, a chaplain with the Philadelphia police, noted that Portnoy reached out to him following the incident. “He is distraught,” Kushner said. Posts online have identified the offenders as Temple students, leading to the university placing one student under interim suspension. Temple President John Fry condemned the incident, stating it does not reflect the university’s values.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia released a statement expressing dismay, with Robin Schatz, Director of Government Affairs, calling the actions “shocking” and underscoring the organization’s commitment to fighting antisemitism.

In response to the incident, Portnoy decided to turn it into a learning opportunity. “We’re going to send these kids to Auschwitz for a tour of the concentration camps, and hopefully, they’ll learn something,” he said. He also noted that the bar staff who complied with the request for the sign have been terminated.

Philadelphia police are investigating the situation alongside the ADL, which stated, “Antisemitic slurs and statements have no place in our city.” The incident highlights rising antisemitism in the U.S., especially since the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which have been linked to a surge in hate incidents against Jewish individuals.