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Dave Portnoy is a businessman and media personality who founded Barstool Sports. Known for his unfiltered takes on many topics he has often come under scrutiny . Recently his interactions and statements involving a former employee have brought him attention once more.
Dave Portnoy decided to address the conversation around employee salaries with former cohost of Plan Bri Uncut, Grace O'Malley via social media app TikTok. After O’Malley claimed she earned a “decent salary” and indicated that other’s earned more , Portnoy felt the need to step in and defend what he thought were the standards they upheld when paying employees .
He stated that her starting base was 175,000 and she earned an extra 75,000 as result of promoting products on her personal social media channels. He believed that this would have brought insight into her actual earnings with his claim being that the salary paid was very “fair and pretty good”. His response was a demonstration of transparency from his side of the media debate.
O’Malley after she left Barstool became very transparent on Theo Von’s podcast about her work with them where she made claims of inequities and how the business operated. She alleged that other members of the company received more money, stating the differences in pay during that time for hosting on the same program while they both worked with Barstool. Her claims ultimately created this moment for response.
O’Malley left Barstool to later sign with Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network. While doing her work she did acknowledge she was happy she had that experience during the run time but that she did have to leave. Her new position did allow an opening into a new view for creative freedom.
In a public statement, Portnoy sought to set the record straight on multiple points , emphasizing that Brianna LaPaglia had always been considered the lead host because of her high reach and fan base. He claimed his goal was to make sure that it didn't seem they did not care for the talent that had been a part of the brand for many years. The response highlights both the company structure and some methods they use while handling certain situations.
He noted the large difference between O'Malley and Brianna LaPaglia in pay was from their overall following stating that Brianna was always viewed to have a larger appeal from having her personal brand previously before arriving. According to Portnoy that is why LaPaglia was always given priority when it came to their pay and how to negotiate from their position. The argument made here would be that there is merit to paying some more based on public brand power.
Portnoy said the podcast tour payments went directly toward their salaries and that O'Malley’s statements to viewers that were made earlier insinuated that their was profit that she was not involved in when she claims this never took place. He claimed to present facts where as in other public outlets he is more brash. He attempted to paint the company as good intentioned in all dealings and not greedy by attempting to be more candid with how salaries and compensation work at their business.
According to Portnoy, Barstool made an effort to expand his relationship by working together on a new venture. That deal however had a stipulation to have 50 percent of profit earned after Barstool made up its previous investment in the base pay of 175,000 dollars which also showcased future potential for the employees while highlighting some benefits he felt they offered as a company.
O’Malley’s decision to not continue with the brand showcased a change in strategy that showed while lucrative might not have met all that the employee may desire. While some thought they had “scammed their employees” it also brings to light that Barstool attempted to help further the growth of individuals through partnership with an equity like structure within the company.
Various viewpoints are in reaction to his disclosure with both sides of supporters for each viewpoint making it public. Some found that this disclosure was needed where others saw this as not the right place to discuss employee personal matters. The many takes showed a very interesting viewpoint of varying perspectives all while making this more of an engagement within the media.
Viewers stated O'Malley handled the topic gracefully and did not give enough room for scrutiny. Others took the information shared by Portnoy to prove that she was acting entitled. However ultimately viewers see this all as a reminder of the importance of compensation with all aspects being in an ever-changing world of different media outlets and different working perspectives.