Alex Cooper denies Dave Portnoy's shocking allegations about fake harassment claims

In a CNBC interview, Alex Cooper, host of the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, was questioned about allegations made by Dave Portnoy regarding her planning to fabricate sexual harassment claims to exit her Barstool Sports contract. Cooper denied these claims, stating that her recollection of events differs from Portnoy's. She emphasized her complicated relationship with him and expressed a desire to focus on business as she prepares for motherhood.

Alex Cooper denies Dave Portnoy's shocking allegations about fake harassment claims
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Published Aug 13, 2026

Topic overview

Briefly

  • Alex Cooper was questioned about Dave Portnoy's claims regarding her alleged plan to make false sexual harassment allegations.
  • Cooper acknowledged her complicated relationship with Portnoy but denied the allegations, stating her version of events differs.
  • The controversy has garnered significant media attention, highlighting the challenges faced by women in the media industry.

What happened

In a recent CNBC interview, Alex Cooper, the host of the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, faced intense questioning regarding allegations made by Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports. Portnoy claimed in his memoir, 'Cancel Me If You Can,' that Cooper and her former co-host, Sofia Franklyn, had devised a plan to fabricate sexual harassment claims to escape their contract with Barstool Sports. Cooper acknowledged her complicated relationship with Portnoy, stating that he played a significant role in her career, but she firmly rejected his version of events. She emphasized that she has not read Portnoy's memoir and insisted that her recollection of the situation differs from his. Cooper expressed her desire to avoid drama, especially as she prepares for motherhood, and focused on discussing business matters instead. The controversy surrounding the allegations has drawn significant media attention, particularly given the sensitive nature of the claims and the implications for both Cooper and Portnoy's reputations. Franklyn, who left the podcast in 2020, has also indicated that she will address her fallout with Cooper in her upcoming memoir, 'Daddy Issues.' This ongoing saga highlights the complexities of their professional relationships and the challenges faced by women in the media industry, particularly when navigating contracts and public perceptions.

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Updated Aug 13, 2026

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