Entertainment
Barstool’s Portnoy accuses Wash Post reporter of intimidation
By Jake Beardslee · September 22, 2023
In brief…
- Barstool Sports CEO Dave Portnoy confronted Washington Post reporter Emily Heil over a suspected "hit piece" about him.
- The confrontation followed Heil's contact with sponsors of Portnoy's pizza festival, when she allegedly questioned whether they should be doing business with a person who has "a history of misogynistic comments and other problematic behavior."
- Portnoy accused Heil of "tortious interference," suggesting she was purposefully damaging his professional relationships.
- Portnoy said that as a representative of a "wildly left-leaning publication," Heil was incapable of writing an unbiased portrayal of him and his company.
Barstool Sports CEO Dave Portnoy cold-called Washington Post reporter Emily Heil Wednesday to confronted her over an upcoming “hit piece” she was writing about the controversial internet entrepreneur.
Heil had allegedly reached out to sponsors of Portnoy’s One Bite Pizza Festival, questioning their association with a man who, she claimed, has “a history of misogynistic comments and other problematic behavior.”
Portnoy called Heil questioning her intent.
“It seems like you’re reaching out to our advertisers and you’re basically sending an email that says to the effect ‘Dave’s a misogynic racist. Do you want to defend yourselves advertising at this event?’” Portnoy said point blank.
The Barstool boss posted a recording of their 12-minute conversation on the social media platform X, which quickly garnered more than 21.5 million views.
Heil attempted to deny making any such assertions, until Portnoy proceeded to read an email she allegedly sent to a sponsor of the festival.
Portnoy was particularly upset that Heil had not reached out to him directly before contacting his sponsors. He accused her of “tortious interference,” a legal term used when someone deliberately tries to damage a person’s professional relationships and thereby cause them economic harm. It is an illegal tactic sometimes associated with unscrupulous reporters.
He also referred to her political leanings, arguing that as a representative of a “wildly left-leaning publication,” she was incapable of writing an unbiased portrayal of him and his company.
The One-Bite Pizza Festival is scheduled for tomorrow, September 23, at Maimonides Park in Brooklyn.