Alex Cooper Denies Fabricating Harassment Claims

Alex Cooper, the host of the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, has denied claims made by Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, that she and her former cohost Sofia Franklyn planned to fabricate sexual harassment allegations to get out of their contracts. Cooper appeared on CNBC's 'Squawk Box' to discuss her relationship with Portnoy, stating that she remembers the situation differently, but did not provide further details.

Cooper and Franklyn cohosted the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast from 2018 to 2020, before Cooper left Barstool Sports and launched her own podcast network, Unwell, in 2023. Portnoy claimed in his memoir, 'Cancel Me If You Can', that Cooper and Franklyn planned to accuse Barstool of sexual harassment to get out of their contracts. However, Cooper has not read the memoir and pushed back on Portnoy's account, saying 'that's not how I remember that at all'.

Cooper's response was calm and measured, stating that she and Portnoy have a 'complicated' relationship, but that she is grateful to him for giving her a start in the industry. She also mentioned that she is currently pregnant and focusing on her personal life, saying 'I'm in my mother era, I have no drama right now'.

## Why it matters The allegations made by Portnoy have sparked a significant amount of attention and debate, with many fans and followers of Cooper and Portnoy weighing in on social media. The situation highlights the complexities of relationships between former colleagues and the challenges of navigating public feuds. Cooper's decision to respond to the allegations in a calm and measured way has been seen as a strategic move, as she seeks to maintain a positive public image while also addressing the claims made against her.

The situation also raises questions about the power dynamics at play in the entertainment industry, particularly when it comes to contracts and allegations of harassment. Cooper's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting women in the industry and creating a safe and respectful work environment.

## What happens next It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, but it is clear that Cooper is seeking to move forward and focus on her personal and professional life. With her new podcast network, Unwell, and her growing family, Cooper is likely to remain a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. As for Portnoy, his allegations against Cooper have sparked a significant amount of debate, and it will be interesting to see how he responds to Cooper's denial of the claims.