Dave Portnoy addressed backlash and rumors that he forced Grace O’Malley out of Barstool Sports after the comedian left the company on Tuesday.
O’Malley, who was cohost of the “PlanBri Uncut” podcast alongside Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia since 2022, left the company after the pair recently ended their 20-year friendship following LaPaglia’s decision to end their podcast — among other things.
LaPaglia also said during a recent episode of the “BFFs” podcast she appears on with Portnoy and Josh Richards that O’Malley didn’t support her through her alleged emotionally abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend, country singer Zach Bryan — and that he ruined their friendship.
In a video posted Thursday to the “BFFs” account on X, Portnoy explained O’Malley’s exit from Barstool — and he denied that he played favorites between her and LaPaglia.
“Emergency walk and talk — everybody knows Grace quit (Monday),” Portnoy began. “I’m still getting DMs from people being like ‘Dave, you f–king fired her. You’re scumbag for picking sides.’ People are saying her message was subliminal and she was really forced out.
“People are f–king nuts. People posting pictures of my ex f–kinh wife [Renee Portnoy] online, being like, ‘Oh she looks like Bri, so Dave’s in love with her.’ It’s f–king crazy.”
Portnoy went on to explain that Barstool Sports is stuck in the middle of an imploding friendship.
He said LaPaglia called him in October to let him know she wanted to end their “PlanBri Uncut” podcast because she and O’Malley weren’t getting along.
He added that Bryan treated O’Malley poorly while he was dating LaPaglia, which contributed to the downfall of their friendship.
After that, Portnoy said he texted O’Malley to check in on her and let her know he had her back even though he is close with LaPaglia — and that O’Malley was appreciative and thanked him.
Portnoy also showed a screengrab of their text exchange.
Portnoy said after giving O’Malley space, she called him “two or three weeks ago” and told him she wanted to stay with Barstool and start her own podcast.
“I’m psyched. I’m like ‘Whatever you need, Grace. I’m glad to hear that,’” Portnoy recalled, adding that he told O’Malley Barstool Sports was “100 percent” behind her.
“Excited you’re going to be here to fulfill the contract. I’m happy.”
After that, O’Malley shared a message on her Instagram Story that said she was staying at Barstool and creating another show — and explained that the end of “PlanBri Uncut” wasn’t a mutual decision between her and LaPaglia.
O’Malley also said LaPaglia went against their initial plan to release a joint video announcing the end of their podcast when she responded to a fan about it on social media.
Portnoy, in his video, explained that he was upset about O’Malley’s message because she “threw a grenade” after knowing for months that the show was ending and that her message would cause backlash for LaPaglia.
He then showed a text message he sent to O’Malley telling her that she needed to move past the situation with LaPaglia — and that he wanted her to handle it privately.
Portnoy explained that he was defending his friend, LaPaglia, because she was getting attacked online, while “the entire internet is on [O’Malley’s] f–king side.”
Portnoy said O’Malley — who had a year and a half left on her contract at Barstool Sports — called him on Tuesday and told him she was quitting because of the “toxic” situation.
“I get it, Bri hinted at the same thing,” Portnoy said. “She”s like, I don’t know if I could do this at Barstool. Again, if they both want to leave, God bless them… I want them both to be happy. I want people to stop picking d–king sides.
“So, O’Malley has a year and a half left on her contract. I could’ve been a prick and been like ‘You can’t leave.’ — No. Best of luck, O’Malley.’”
Portnoy added that he invited O’Malley to go on the “BFFs” podcast, but they couldn’t make it happen.
“O’Malley I think is going to be a huge f–cking success,” Portnoy said. “I honestly wish her nothing but the best… I get both sides. I’ve said that from day one… It’s probably for the best that O’Malley goes on her way and who knows with Bri.”
