Dave Portnoy says Auschwitz offer to man allegedly involved in antisemitic sign is revoked
Context:
Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, initially offered a 'teachable moment' by proposing to send individuals involved in displaying an antisemitic sign at a Philadelphia bar to Auschwitz to learn about the Holocaust. However, he revoked this offer after one of the accused, Mo Kahn, claimed he was merely documenting the event as a 'citizen journalist' and faced threats after the incident went viral. Kahn posted a statement disavowing any involvement, which led to a contentious exchange with Portnoy, who questioned Kahn's account and previous antisemitic remarks. Portnoy expressed frustration over the situation, stating that despite his efforts to provide a learning opportunity, the accused did not take responsibility for his actions. The incident remains under investigation by Philadelphia police, with social media deletions complicating the matter further.
Dive Deeper:
Dave Portnoy offered to send those responsible for an antisemitic sign at a Barstool bar to Auschwitz to educate them about the Holocaust, but later revoked this offer due to complications with the involved individuals.
One of the accused, Mo Kahn, publicly denied involvement, stating that his role was as a 'citizen journalist' who documented the incident and subsequently faced threats to his safety as the video went viral.
Portnoy engaged in a heated exchange with Kahn, challenging his denial and highlighting past antisemitic jokes, which Kahn did not adequately explain, leaving Portnoy frustrated and perplexed.
Kahn's statement emphasized his upbringing to respect all people and his desire for open dialogue to address societal issues, though Portnoy remained skeptical of his claims of innocence.
The situation raised questions about accountability and the effectiveness of public shaming as a corrective measure, with Portnoy ultimately deciding against proceeding with the Auschwitz visit.
Philadelphia police are investigating the incident, while Kahn's partial social media deletion has added complexity to uncovering the full story.
The incident and subsequent reactions have sparked wider discussions on antisemitism and the responsibilities of public figures in addressing hate speech.