Alex Cooper Addresses Dave Portnoy's Memoir Claims: A Complex Legacy Unveiled

In a candid interview on CNBC's Squawk Box, "Call Her Daddy" podcast host Alex Cooper has shared her thoughts on former boss Dave Portnoy's anecdotes about their time together at Barstool Sports, detailed in his recent memoir, Cancel Me If You Can. The controversial media mogul, 49, claimed in the book that he had prevented sexual harassment accusations against him by allowing Cooper, now 31, to exit her contract.

Cooper's successful podcast launched under the Barstool umbrella with co-host Sofia Franklyn before she signed an exclusive deal with Spotify in 2021 and built her own brand. During the interview on August 12, Cooper, who is pregnant with her first child, opted to keep the validity of Portnoy's claims ambiguous. "I think Dave is always entertaining," she said.

"We share a complex and multifaceted relationship. He was instrumental in launching my career, and I will forever be grateful for that." Admitting she hasn't read the memoir, Cooper recalls the situation differently. "Obviously, I saw those posts and I wasn't a part of that narrative," she stated. "Dave has his version, I have mine, and we're all good." When asked to share her side of events, Cooper demurred with a laugh, stating, "I'm not diving into the drama right now." She added, "We're here to talk about my business endeavors." Cooper appeared on CNBC to discuss her Unwell Media Network, which she runs alongside husband Matt Kaplan.

The organization recently secured a $500 million valuation following an investment from Patrick Whitesell’s firm. "Matt and I always knew we'd seek investment at some point," Cooper said. "When we started the company, we funded it ourselves and were profitable from day one. This move wasn't about a cash injection; it was about partnering with someone who could help us scale up with acquisitions and investments." Cooper believes her goals align with Whitesell's to foster a successful partnership for their Gen Z, female-centric media company that encompasses podcasts, film and television production, live events, consumer products, a charitable foundation, and a creative agency.

"We've built a flywheel approach that has made us profitable," she shared. "Now we're looking to expand through acquisitions and investments in new IPs, talent relationships, and more."