Dave Portnoy Claims ‘Call Her Daddy’ Co-Hosts Planned Sexual Harassment Accusations to Exit Barstool
In a recent discussion, Dave Portnoy revisited the contentious departure of Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn from Barstool Sports. Portnoy alleged that the former co-hosts of the popular podcast Call Her Daddy had devised a strategy to claim sexual harassment as a means to terminate their contracts.
Insights from Portnoy’s Memoir
In an interview, Portnoy discussed his memoir, Cancel Me If You Can, which delves into the dynamics between Cooper, Franklyn, and the Barstool brand. He highlighted how the two podcasters initially joined the company, which is often characterized by its hyper-masculine culture, and how their exit became a spectacle filled with controversy and speculation.
Call Her Daddy was launched by Cooper and Franklyn in October 2018. The podcast quickly gained traction, leading Barstool to integrate it into its lineup just a month later. Portnoy noted that while the podcast diverged from Barstool’s typical offerings, he found their pitch compelling. He remarked, “It’s not my cup of tea but I know I haven’t seen it before. Let’s give it a shot.”
The Rise and Fall of a Podcast Phenomenon
The podcast’s success was undeniable, transforming into a cultural phenomenon that seemingly outgrew Barstool. This rapid ascent culminated in tense contract negotiations in 2020, ultimately resulting in a split. Portnoy described Cooper and Franklyn as “willing to step on my neck and burn any bridge to get ahead.”
During the interview, Portnoy claimed that Cooper had informed him of their plan to allege sexual harassment at Barstool as a tactic to escape their contracts. This assertion comes amid ongoing accusations against Barstool and Portnoy for fostering a misogynistic environment.
The Fallout Between Cooper and Franklyn
Portnoy further revealed that Cooper and Franklyn had a strained relationship, stating they “hated each other.” Following their departure from Barstool, the two engaged in a public feud, leading to separate career paths. Franklyn launched her own podcast, Sofia with an F, while Cooper continued to build the Call Her Daddy brand, establishing herself as a media entrepreneur with her company, The Unwell Network.
In a subsequent interview, Cooper reflected on her working relationship with Portnoy and the fallout with Franklyn. She expressed satisfaction in having fought for the intellectual property rights of Call Her Daddy, emphasizing the importance of the brand and its archives.
Cooper’s Perspective on Contract Negotiations
Cooper recounted the moment Portnoy offered them the IP rights on a rooftop, describing her elation and determination to secure the brand. She noted the extensive effort she had invested in marketing, editing, and writing for the podcast. While Franklyn suggested they could create a new show, Cooper remained steadfast in her belief that relinquishing the IP would not be in her best interest.
Cooper acknowledged the financial disparity between what they were earning and the revenue generated by the podcast. She stated that they sought to renegotiate their contracts, recognizing that Portnoy was in a difficult position due to the podcast’s success.
The Unique Branding of Call Her Daddy
Cooper elaborated on why Portnoy could not simply replace them with new hosts. She pointed out that when she first signed with Barstool, other shows featured generic branding, while she fought to have their faces prominently displayed on the artwork for Call Her Daddy. This branding strategy was intended to ensure that the podcast was synonymous with their identities.
She concluded that the IP was a valuable asset, believing that maintaining it would secure her financial future. Cooper expressed no judgment toward Franklyn’s decision to leave Barstool, acknowledging their differing priorities.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-06-30 13:30:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk