A resurfaced video of Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy defending a rape joke has gone viral following an on-air argument with one of his own staffers about the appropriateness of jokes targeting Jewish people.
The renewed controversy erupted during Wednesday’s episode of The Unnamed Show, in which Portnoy, who is Jewish, and co-host Kirk Minihane engaged in a heated debate over the use of “Jew jokes.” Minihane defended the jokes as part of Barstool’s irreverent brand, which prides itself on pushing boundaries. Portnoy, however, argued that such jokes can have harmful consequences, especially in light of recent antisemitic incidents.
The discussion quickly devolved into a shouting match, with Portnoy criticizing Minihane’s stance and even daring him to leave the show.
In the wake of the dispute, critics online pointed to a past interview that they say highlights a contradiction in Portnoy’s views on offensive humor. The clip, from a 2012 Inside Edition segment, featured Portnoy defending a post on his website that appeared to make light of rape.
During the segment, correspondent Lisa Guerrero confronted Portnoy about a statement published on Barstool that read: “I never condone rape, but if you’re a size 6 and you’re wearing skinny jeans, you kind of deserve to be raped.”
When asked whether he stood by the comment, Portnoy responded: “Correct. I stand by that. I think it’s a funny joke.”
Guerrero pressed him further: “You think rape is funny?”
“No, I didn’t say that. I think it’s a funny joke,” Portnoy replied. When asked if he understood how offensive the remark was, Portnoy said, “No, I obviously don’t.”
The circulation of the old clip has reignited criticism of Barstool’s longstanding editorial tone, which many have labeled misogynistic and inflammatory. Social media users and commentators have pointed to the apparent contradiction between Portnoy’s past defense of rape jokes and his recent objections to antisemitic humor.
Portnoy has not yet publicly responded to the renewed attention surrounding the 2012 interview.
Barstool Sports, founded in 2003, has built its brand on provocative, often controversial content. Over the years, Portnoy has remained a polarizing figure, frequently defending the company’s approach to humor while drawing sharp criticism from advocacy groups and media watchdogs.