Dave Portnoy Slams Philadelphia ABC Affiliate Over ‘Bait-and-Switch’ Interview
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – May 5, 2025 – Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy publicly criticized Philadelphia’s WPVI-TV (6abc) after abruptly ending an interview on May 5, 2025, accusing the station of a “bait-and-switch” tactic. The contentious exchange, which Portnoy partially recorded and posted on X, stemmed from a discussion about an antisemitic sign displayed at his Old City bar, The Portnoy, during a private event. Portnoy’s outburst, in which he declared, “I hate f*cking journalists,” has gone viral, drawing polarized reactions online.
The Incident and Interview
On April 29, 2025, a group rented The Portnoy for a private event, during which an antisemitic sign was displayed, captured on video by a guest. The video surfaced online, prompting Portnoy to fire two waitresses involved, identify the videographer, and vow to hold all responsible parties accountable. He expressed disgust at the incident, emphasizing his Jewish heritage and Barstool’s zero-tolerance stance on hate.
WPVI-TV approached Portnoy for an interview, which he agreed to as a local outlet covering the controversy. However, during the interview with reporter Alicia Vitarelli, Portnoy claimed the questions shifted from the incident to accusations that he, Barstool, and “white men” were responsible for fostering an environment conducive to such behavior. Feeling ambushed, Portnoy began recording the exchange mid-interview, capturing his heated response.
In the clip posted to X at 8:06 PM IST on May 5, Portnoy is heard saying, “You’re trying to say I’m responsible for this? That Barstool’s culture caused this?” He accused Vitarelli of pushing a narrative that “white men are the problem,” calling the approach “disgusting” and ending the interview. “I hate f*cking journalists,” he fumed, alleging the station misrepresented the interview’s purpose.
Portnoy’s Response and Public Sentiment
Portnoy’s X post, which included the recorded clip, garnered significant attention, with outlets like Mediaite and The Right Scoop amplifying the story. He captioned the post, “So @6abc begged me to do an interview about the incident at our bar. Since it was local I agreed. Then the reporter tried to say Barstool and I and white men were responsible for the incident. Austin started recording once it got contentious.”
Public reactions on X were divided:
- Supporters: Users like @PhillyHotspur called WPVI’s approach “embarrassing,” accusing the station of using the interview to “attack Barstool.” @Matt092891 praised Portnoy’s swift action against those involved in the incident, noting his efforts to address it transparently.
- Critics: Some, including @realTuckFrumper, framed Portnoy’s reaction as an overblown tantrum, with the headline “Dave Portnoy Loses It After Angrily Ending Interview About Antisemitic Sign at His Bar.”
- Media Coverage: The Right Scoop and Mediaite reported Portnoy’s claim of a “bait-and-switch,” with the former calling the interview a “disgrace” and the latter noting his frustration with journalists.
Context of Portnoy’s Media Battles
This incident is not Portnoy’s first clash with media outlets. Known for his combative persona as “El Presidente,” he has a history of challenging perceived biased reporting:
- 2022 New York Times Dispute: Portnoy accused The New York Times of falsely claiming he “did not provide answers” for a story about his ties to sports betting, sharing direct messages to prove he offered an interview on his terms.
- 2023 Washington Post Confrontation: He recorded a call with a Post reporter over a story about his pizza festival, alleging the outlet intended to “shame sponsors” with a “hit piece.”
- 2021 Insider Allegations: Portnoy held an “emergency press conference” to rebut an Insider article accusing him of nonconsensual rough sex, calling it a biased “hit piece” and presenting evidence to counter claims.
These episodes reflect Portnoy’s pattern of using social media to directly confront media narratives, often rallying his “Stoolie” fanbase to amplify his defense.
Broader Implications
The WPVI interview controversy underscores Portnoy’s fraught relationship with traditional media, which he frequently accuses of agenda-driven reporting. His decision to record the exchange mid-interview aligns with his past demands for transparency, as seen in his insistence on video-recording interviews with outlets like The New York Times. The incident also highlights the challenges of covering polarizing figures like Portnoy, whose outspoken style and loyal following can escalate disputes into public spectacles.
WPVI has not publicly responded to Portnoy’s allegations as of May 5, 2025, and it’s unclear if the station will air the interview or address the backlash. The controversy comes amid Portnoy’s high-profile support for President Donald Trump and his recent critiques of figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom, reinforcing his image as a provocative media figure.
Conclusion
Dave Portnoy’s public feud with WPVI-TV over what he called a “bait-and-switch” interview reflects his ongoing battle against perceived media bias. By recording and sharing the contentious exchange, Portnoy has once again leveraged his platform to shape the narrative, drawing both support and criticism. The incident at The Portnoy, while serious, has been overshadowed by the media clash, highlighting the power of Portnoy’s influence and the challenges of reporting on divisive personalities. For further developments, monitoring Portnoy’s X account (@stoolpresidente) or local Philadelphia news may provide updates.