New York Governor Kathy Hochul has fired back at Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, referencing his ex-girlfriend’s alleged 2017 affair with a SoulCycle instructor amid his criticism of state policies.
Portnoy Criticizes New York Leadership
Portnoy took to X to slam Hochul’s efforts to lure wealthy residents back to New York. He highlighted what he called the “unbelievable arrogance and hypocrisy” of begging millionaires to return while new Mayor Zohran Mamdani expresses disdain for the rich and backs communist ideas. “I wonder why people are flocking to Florida?” Portnoy posted.
Hochul’s Press Office Strikes Back
Hochul’s press office responded sharply, asking, “Is this why you’re so mad?” alongside a screenshot showing New York boasts the most SoulCycle locations. The governor’s account also invited Portnoy to a SoulCycle class in the city on Friday, reigniting the old scandal.
Portnoy’s Stunned Retort
Portnoy expressed confusion over the jab. “Did Gov Hochul really just make fun of me for getting cucked 10 years ago? I did by the way. Even sold tshirts about it,” he posted on X. He countered by accusing the state of pleading with millionaires like himself to fund “communism, hotels for illegals and pedicures for [Mamdani’s] terrorist loving wife’s photo shoots.”
Background on the 2017 SoulCycle Scandal
In 2017, Portnoy accused his then-girlfriend Jordyn Hamilton of cheating with a SoulCycle instructor. He capitalized on the heartbreak by selling ‘CuckCycle’ t-shirts. His Barstool team bombarded SoulCycle’s social media, prompting the company to instruct trainers to call police if they felt threatened at studios. Portnoy shared the message online, quipping, “Best way to avoid calling 911? Don’t have your instructors f*** the girlfriend of head of major media company.”
Hamilton never publicly addressed the claims but later sent Portnoy a supportive message during his 2021 sexual misconduct allegations, as detailed in the book ‘How the Jester Became King.’
Portnoy faced accusations in a Business Insider report of aggressive sexual encounters and filming women without consent. He denied the allegations, calling the piece a lengthy “hit piece” that implied he was a rapist.
Social Media Backlash
The exchange drew criticism online. One user remarked, “Yeah keep insulting all business owners lol that’ll really make them wanna come back and employ hundreds of people.” Another said, “Keep trolling Dave. That will really show those millionaires and billionaires that NY is a warm inviting state to live in!” A third commented, “I actually might have to leave NY after this cringe tweet. My God.”
