A chilling scene unfolded in Starkville, Mississippi, as a former Mississippi State University student unleashed a torrent of antisemitic hate towards Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy during a public video shoot.
The individual, identified as 20-year-old Patrick McClintock, was captured on camera shouting a vile slur – “F--- the Jews” – directly at Portnoy while he was filming his popular “One Bite” pizza review outside a local shop on November 7th.
Police were quickly alerted to the disturbing video circulating online, which also showed McClintock throwing coins in Portnoy’s direction. An immediate investigation was launched, culminating in a warrant for his arrest over the weekend.
McClintock was formally charged with disturbing the peace on Monday, November 10th, a misdemeanor offense covering disruptive and potentially violent public behavior. He was processed and subsequently released.
Authorities emphasized that while offensive speech is generally protected, the incident crossed the line when it disrupted a public event and created a risk of escalating into violence. The Starkville Police Department affirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety and respect of all community members.
Portnoy, who is Jewish, calmly invited the heckler to approach the camera, but McClintock continued his tirade, shouting demands for Portnoy to leave Starkville before being intercepted by witnesses and security personnel.
“He said, ‘F--- the Jews,’ and threw s--- at me,” Portnoy recounted in a video shared online, detailing the shocking nature of the encounter. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and concern.
Mississippi law allows for harsher penalties in cases where crimes are motivated by bias or discrimination, and investigators are continuing to explore this possibility in relation to McClintock’s actions.
In the wake of intense public outcry, Mississippi State University confirmed that McClintock had voluntarily withdrawn from his studies on Monday afternoon. The university did not offer further comment.
This incident is not isolated, occurring against a backdrop of a disturbing nationwide surge in antisemitic acts. Portnoy recently spoke about this alarming trend in an interview with CBS News.
He described a “definitive shift” in the level of antisemitism he’s experiencing, stating that hateful remarks directed at him have become a daily occurrence. He feels a responsibility to address the issue publicly, recognizing his position as a figure within the Jewish community.
Portnoy emphasized the need to acknowledge that the current climate of hate is “not normal” and to actively confront the growing tide of antisemitism with unwavering resolve. He believes it’s crucial to stand up and speak out against this escalating threat.
