Writing about David Portnoy always invites blowback. The latest controversy surrounding the Barstool Sports founder involves Nantucket Magazine, which published a glowing piece in its May issue about his efforts to deliver relief for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Nantucket Magazine shared the story last week. By Friday night, it was apologizing to its readers on Facebook.
"Since releasing our May issue a week ago, we have heard from various members of our community who vehemently object to our current cover featuring Dave Portnoy," wrote publisher Bruce Percelay and editor Robert Cocuzzo. "While the story was intended to highlight Mr. Portnoy's work in support of small businesses, a number of people in the community have taken issue with offensive remarks and actions he has made in the past. We never want to hurt, offend or disappoint any of our readers with the stories we publish."
The note didn't reference specific incidents involving Portnoy, who's faced immense scrutiny over the years for Barstool's lewd content and online harassment campaigns of female journalists.
It's worth noting that most of the oft-repeated incidents involving Barstool Sports took place years ago, when it was more disruptive startup than media conglomerate. Penn National Gaming purchased Barstool for $450 million in 2020.
Percelay and Cocuzzi told readers they featured Portnoy because he's a prominent Nantucket homeowner. The magazine published a profile of Portnoy when he bought his home in 2016.
"As a media outlet, our stories are never endorsements of our subjects," they wrote.
The Barstool Fund, the primary subject of the piece, has raised more than $37 million for at least 332 small businesses.
In response to the post, Portnoy wrote the following: "Everybody who doesn't like me should go f— themselves."
