Dave Portnoy Denies Allegations in Sofia Franklyn’s New Memoir
Barstool Sports founder refutes claims of a past romantic encounter with Alex Cooper.
1Memoir Sparks Public Dispute
Sofia Franklyn’s new memoir, Daddy Issues, has triggered a public confrontation involving Barstool Sports creator Dave Portnoy. Franklyn implies in her writing that Portnoy and Alex Cooper had a secret sexual relationship. Portnoy, 49, appeared on The Toast podcast this Wednesday to explicitly deny these claims, calling the narrative entirely false.
2The Rooftop Meeting Controversy
The core of the dispute centers on a visit to Portnoy’s apartment. Franklyn claims Cooper acted awkwardly during a rooftop meeting, suggesting she had been there previously. Portnoy insists that the first time either woman visited his apartment was during that specific meeting, refuting the suspicion that they had prior intimate contact.
3Direct Denial of Intimacy
During his interview with co-hosts Jackie and Claudia Oshry, Portnoy was asked if he and Cooper had ever kissed or engaged in physical intimacy. He responded with a firm no, stating that they do not even like each other. He characterized the suggestion as a fabrication without any factual basis in reality.
4Cooper’s Reaction Remains Unclear
While Portnoy has been vocal in his rebuttal, Alex Cooper has not yet issued a public response to the memoir's claims. Sources indicate that the 32-year-old podcaster was in a state of panic regarding the book's release. Her representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations made by Franklyn.
5Historical Tensions Between Parties
Portnoy expressed significant animosity toward Franklyn during the podcast, citing past conflicts. He accused her of directing Business Insider toward women who made sexual assault allegations against him in 2021. Portnoy has consistently denied these historical accusations, describing his past sexual encounters as consensual, and he previously sued the outlet for defamation.
6Legal Context of Allegations
The 2021 investigative report by Business Insider featured multiple women accusing Portnoy of performing violent sexual acts. Portnoy filed a defamation lawsuit against the publication in February 2022. The legal action was ultimately dismissed nine months later, leaving the public debate surrounding his personal conduct and professional reputation largely unresolved and contentious.
7Dispute Over Network Naming
Despite his hostility toward Franklyn, Portnoy sided with her regarding the naming of Cooper’s network, Unwell. He admitted that the name originated from a joke coined by Franklyn and criticized Cooper for using it. Portnoy labeled this move a misstep by Cooper, noting that the origin of the term is not disputed.
8Ongoing Media Industry Fallout
The public exchange highlights the volatile nature of relationships within the podcasting industry. As Franklyn promotes her memoir, the fallout continues to involve high-profile figures from the Barstool Sports era. Observers are now watching to see if Cooper will eventually address the claims or continue to focus solely on her own content.
Original article: Page Six — Dave Portnoy Denies Allegations in Sofia Franklyn’s New Memoir