At the University of Virginia, the Instagram account @barstooluva has gained a massive following, captivating students with content that often resembles a modern take on “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” One of its latest viral clips, which has over 50,500 views, features a student dramatically launched into what was intended to be a shallow kiddie pool, landing in a spectacularly chaotic manner. The crowd erupts in laughter and cheers, embodying the carefree spirit often associated with UVA students.

While the entertainment value is undeniable, it’s crucial for UVA students to examine the troubling undercurrents of the media empire behind this platform. Barstool Sports, known for its memes, sports updates, and humorous takes on campus life, has a complicated legacy rooted in misogyny, racism, and intimidation tactics against journalists.

1. Controversial Allegations Against Founder David Portnoy

David Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, recently faced serious allegations of sexual assault from two women, as reported by Insider. In a troubling response, he encouraged his 2.7 million Twitter followers to harass the journalist who reported the story. He went so far as to threaten the CEO of Insider, proclaiming that “your head is going to be on my spike.” Furthermore, Portnoy has made unsettling comments in the past, suggesting that Harvey Weinstein’s actions were merely “fair trades” for sex, trivializing the severity of sexual misconduct.

2. A Pattern of Sexist Content

Barstool Sports has not shied away from using sexist language and objectifying women. From segments like “Guess That Ass” to derogatory comments about female reporters, the platform has a history of promoting harmful stereotypes. Portnoy once infamously wrote that women who wore skinny jeans at a size six “kind of deserve to be raped.” Such statements reflect a culture that dismisses serious issues surrounding consent and gender-based violence.

3. Racist Remarks and Deflections

Portnoy has also made headlines for his use of racist language. In a 2016 video, he declared that he was about to say something racist and proceeded to compare NFL player Colin Kaepernick to a terrorist. This kind of rhetoric undermines the ongoing fight against racism and signals a troubling normalization of such views within the Barstool community.

4. Targeting Journalists and Doxxing

Barstool Sports has cultivated a loyal following known as “Stoolies,” who often engage in online harassment of journalists who criticize the platform. Reports have surfaced detailing how journalists like Laura Wagner and Soledad O’Brien have faced severe online harassment, including doxxing and threats of violence. While Barstool executives may not directly incite these actions, they leverage their fanbase’s aggression to silence dissenting voices.

5. Continuing to Publish Controversial Content Post-Acquisition

Even after being acquired by Penn Entertainment, Barstool Sports has continued to produce content that raises eyebrows. For instance, an article titled “This Girl Needs to Be On Your Radar: Sarah McKenzie” focused on sexually suggestive images of a female influencer, inviting degrading commentary from readers. Despite the change in ownership, the problematic legacy of Barstool remains intact, as it continues to generate revenue through controversial content.

As students and readers, it’s essential to reflect on how the content we consume shapes our perceptions and values. Barstool Sports may be entertaining, but it’s important to consider the broader implications of supporting a platform with such a contentious history.