Antisemitic Incident at Barstool Sports Bar in Philadelphia: Temple Student Under Investigation

Philadelphia Barstool Bar Scandal: Antisemitic Sign Goes Viral, Student Suspended

A Temple University student has been suspended and multiple investigations are underway after an antisemitic sign was displayed during bottle service at the Barstool Sports Bar in Center City Philadelphia over the weekend.

The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has sparked a fierce backlash from university officials, civil rights organizations, and the public.

What Happened: The Viral Video That Sparked Outrage

On Saturday night, patrons at the Barstool Sports Bar on Sansom Street ordered bottle service — a common feature at high-end venues. But this order included a deeply offensive twist: a handwritten sign held by a waitress with antisemitic language directed at Jewish people.

A fellow guest recorded the moment, and within hours, the video had gone viral. The footage shows several people laughing and cheering as the sign is paraded across the venue. The waitress, unaware or indifferent to the message’s meaning, delivers the sign alongside sparklers and champagne.

The post was soon flagged on Reddit and TikTok, where it drew hundreds of thousands of views and a swift, unified wave of condemnation.

Barstool Sports Responds: "Sick to My Stomach"

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy issued a fiery response Sunday morning via Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). “I’m sick to my stomach. This is not who we are,” Portnoy wrote. “We’ve fired the two servers immediately, and we’re taking steps to ensure this never happens again.”

In a follow-up podcast episode, Portnoy added: “I want those responsible to look Holocaust survivors in the eyes and understand the weight of what they did.” He also revealed plans to organize a trip to Auschwitz for the involved patrons — a controversial move that has drawn both praise and criticism.

Temple University: Immediate Suspension and Investigation

Shortly after the video went viral, Temple University confirmed that at least one of the individuals involved was a current student. The university placed the student on interim suspension pending a formal disciplinary process.

University President Jason Wingard issued a statement:

“Temple University stands firmly against antisemitism in any form. We are disgusted by what occurred and will act decisively.”

Students on campus have held vigils and demanded further transparency from the administration. Several Jewish student organizations are urging the university to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on hate speech incidents.

Philadelphia Police Investigate Possible Hate Crime

Philadelphia Police confirmed they are actively investigating the incident as a possible hate crime. A spokesperson said they are reviewing surveillance footage from the bar, eyewitness statements, and digital evidence, including the viral video.

“We take all incidents of hate speech seriously,” said Lt. James Caruso, who heads the department’s hate crimes unit. “Our goal is to determine who was responsible for commissioning the sign, and whether criminal charges are warranted.”

Legal experts suggest charges could range from public incitement to disorderly conduct, depending on the intent and coordination behind the message.

Community Response: Calls for Accountability and Change

The incident has reignited debate over how nightlife venues regulate customer behavior. Critics argue that bottle service presentations often lack oversight and can be exploited for hate-fueled messages.

“This isn’t just a mistake — it’s a sign of a deeper cultural problem,” said ADL (Anti-Defamation League) Philadelphia Director Shira Goodman. “Bars are not exempt from basic decency.”

Several local Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Jill Maderer of Congregation Rodeph Shalom, have called for Barstool to institute mandatory sensitivity training for all staff and implement policies to screen custom signs.

Cultural Flashpoint: TikTok, Pranks, and the Normalization of Hate

Some analysts point to a growing trend on platforms like TikTok where shock value content — often including offensive or hateful messages — is packaged as humor or "dark jokes." Experts warn that such normalization can desensitize younger audiences.

“This isn’t just a one-off. It’s part of an ecosystem where antisemitism is rebranded as edgy content,” said Dr. Michael Stein, professor of sociology at Drexel University.

What Happens Next

• Temple University is conducting a formal hearing process to determine whether the suspended student will face expulsion.

• Barstool Sports has pledged to overhaul its bottle service policy nationwide and is working with outside consultants to implement new training protocols.

• Philadelphia Police expect to conclude their investigation within two weeks and will submit findings to the district attorney’s office for possible prosecution.

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