Dave Portnoy reignited one of sports media's most contentious online feuds this week with a fresh attack directed at ESPN analyst Mina Kimes. What began as a lighthearted promotion for Celebrity Jeopardy! quickly escalated into another explosive public rant from the Barstool Sports founder, who used the moment to revisit a years-long controversy.
The sudden outburst immediately caught fire online. Fans of both media personalities jumped into the debate, while critics questioned why the dispute continues to resurface years after the original allegations and legal battle first dominated headlines.
Dave Portnoy Blasts Mina Kimes Over Resurfaced Feud
The latest clash began when Portnoy reacted to a social media post promoting an upcoming Celebrity Jeopardy! All-Stars semifinal featuring Mina Kimes. Instead of discussing the show, Portnoy accused Kimes of amplifying what he described as false accusations against him during the height of his controversy with Business Insider.
"Who retweeted a blatantly false hit piece on you not once but twice within 10 minutes of it being published and then when you provided her evidence it was all bullshit blocked you?" Portnoy wrote. He followed the comment with another direct shot, calling Kimes a "piece of sh*t."
The remarks instantly reignited discussion surrounding the Business Insider investigation published in 2021, where Portnoy faced allegations involving violent sexual encounters and misconduct. At the time, Portnoy denied all accusations and insisted every interaction mentioned in the article was fully consensual.
Mina Kimes and Dave Portnoy Controversy Resurfaces Again
Kimes had publicly supported the reporting shortly after the article was published, writing on social media: "This is a really upsetting, well reported story. And judging by the replies—there are way too many people who still don't understand the concept of consent." That post became one of the biggest flashpoints in the feud between the two sports media personalities.
Portnoy later released multiple videos defending himself and accused Business Insider of publishing what he repeatedly called a "hit piece." He also shared screenshots of messages that he argued contradicted claims made in the report. According to Portnoy, the women involved continued communicating with him after the alleged incidents, something he believed weakened the accusations.
The Barstool founder eventually sued Business Insider for defamation in 2022. Yet the case was later dismissed, and Portnoy dropped the case the next year.
That topic remains highly divisive online, years later. Portnoy supporters still say he was unfairly targeted, while critics argue his repeated public attacks only prolong the controversy.
For Kimes, the backlash comes even as she has distanced herself from the issue in recent years. But one viral tweet from Portnoy was enough to bring the entire dispute back into the public eye once again.
