Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy drew a sharp distinction between accountability and cancel culture during a New York City event for his new book last week, standing up for free speech but rejecting the idea that the First Amendment can shield people from the consequences of what they say.
Accountability vs. Cancel Culture
Speaking at 92NY, a cultural and community center known for its Jewish roots located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Portnoy said that people can and should be criticized for making offensive comments, but argued it is a different situation entirely when naysayers decide they dislike a person first and then comb through years of old material in search of something damaging.
Portnoy emphasized that he believes in freedom of speech, but said there is no freedom from accountability. He noted that digging up dirt is acceptable if the subject is an elected official or running for office.
Portnoy went on to blast past comments from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani-backed Democratic congressional nominee Darializa Avila Chevalier and Senate contender Aber Kawas that have resurfaced in the wake of their primary wins.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
