Police Arrest Student for Antisemitic Rant During Dave Portnoy Pizza Review
A former Mississippi State University student faces legal consequences after allegedly shouting antisemitic remarks during a video shoot with Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports. The incident took place at a Starkville pizza shop on November 7, sparking significant public backlash.
Incident Overview
The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Patrick McClintock, was accused of shouting “F— the Jews” while filming one of Portnoy’s popular “One Bite” pizza reviews. The video showed McClintock yelling obscenities at Portnoy, who is Jewish, on the premises of a local business.
Police Response
Starkville Police were alerted to the viral video shortly after the incident. Officers reported that McClintock also threw coins at Portnoy during the confrontation. An investigation was initiated, leading to a warrant being issued over the weekend.
- Date of incident: November 7
- Charges filed: Disturbing the peace
- Age of suspect: 20 years old
Legal Proceedings
On November 10, McClintock was formally charged with disturbing the peace, a misdemeanor that addresses public disturbances and threats of violence. Following his processing, he was released.
Community Impact
The Starkville Police Department issued a statement emphasizing that all community members deserve safety and respect. While free expression is protected, aggressive behavior that disrupts public events is not tolerated.
Student’s University Status
In light of the backlash from this incident, Mississippi State University confirmed that McClintock voluntarily withdrew from the institution on November 10.
Broader Context of Antisemitism
This incident highlights a worrying trend of increasing antisemitism in the United States. Portnoy himself has commented on the growing occurrence of hate directed toward him and the Jewish community at large, stating that he experiences antisemitic remarks on a daily basis.
In a CBS interview, he noted a significant shift in the societal response to antisemitism, calling for a collective stand against such behavior.
The matter remains under investigation, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to addressing bias-motivated crimes in Mississippi.
