STARKVILLE, Miss. – A 20-year-old Mississippi State University student has been charged with disturbing the peace following an antisemitic incident involving Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, which was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media.
According to the Starkville Police Department, the suspect, identified as Patrick McClintock, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, was arrested on Monday after allegedly shouting antisemitic remarks and throwing coins at Portnoy while he was filming a segment for his popular “One Bite” pizza review series outside Boardtown Pizza & Pints in downtown Starkville.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The incident occurred on Friday and was widely circulated online after Portnoy shared the footage on his Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts. In the video, Portnoy can be seen reviewing a slice of pizza when McClintock allegedly shouted slurs and tossed coins toward him — a gesture widely recognized as an antisemitic trope.
The confrontation immediately drew national backlash, with several public figures and organizations condemning the behavior as hateful and unacceptable.
“Every person has the right to feel safe and respected in our community,” said Brandon Lovelady, public information officer for the Starkville Police Department. “Offensive words alone are protected, but when behavior disrupts a public event or risks violence, the Starkville Police Department will take steps to maintain safety and security.”
Arrest and Legal Details
A warrant for McClintock’s arrest was issued over the weekend, and he was charged with disturbing the peace on Monday. His bond was set at $2,500, and police confirmed that he was processed and later released.
Authorities noted that Mississippi law allows courts to impose enhanced penalties if a violation is found to be motivated by bias or discrimination, suggesting that additional legal action could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
According to the Clarion Ledger, McClintock has since withdrawn from Mississippi State University following the incident.
Portnoy Responds to the Incident
Despite the confrontation, Portnoy said the incident did not tarnish his visit to Starkville. In his Instagram post, he shared footage of both the pizza review and the moment of harassment, displaying McClintock’s mugshot and calling him a “loser.”
“I’ll never judge one asshole for the entire city,” Portnoy said. “Everyone was super nice.”
In a CBS Sunday Morning interview set to air next week, Portnoy reflected on the growing climate of antisemitism, saying, “It’s every day now. There’s a definitive shift in what’s going on.”
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Context
The Starkville Police Department confirmed that the case remains under active investigation, emphasizing their commitment to community safety and condemning actions that promote hate or fear.
University officials have not yet commented publicly on the matter but are reportedly cooperating with local law enforcement.
The viral incident comes amid a nationwide rise in antisemitic incidents, with advocacy groups calling for stronger responses to hate-motivated behavior on college campuses.
Authorities urge anyone who witnesses similar acts of harassment or discrimination to report them immediately to local law enforcement or campus security.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for verified updates and community reactions only on HonkNews.com.