Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, recently commented on Grace O’Malley’s exit from the company. On December 16, 2024, Barstool announced that O’Malley, who co-hosts the “PlanBri Uncut” podcast with Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, would also exit. The decision came after a public rift between O’Malley and LaPaglia, who had been close friends for 15 years.
Grace O’Malley’s Departure from Barstool Sports
O’Malley announced her exit in Instagram Stories, expressing gratitude to Barstool and Portnoy for the opportunity. “I wanted you guys to hear from me first that this is my last day at Barstool,” she said.
Dave Portnoy’s Response
In response to O’Malley’s exit, Portnoy posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) on December 17, 2024. He clarified that he did not influence her decision to leave. “Nobody could’ve figured this situation out when two best friends of 20 years get in a fight… and we’re right in the f—— middle.”
The Rift Between O’Malley and LaPaglia
O’Malley’s friendship with LaPaglia is claimed to have soured over the latter’s romance with singer Zach Bryan. LaPaglia accused O’Malley of not having her back in her rocky romance with Bryan, which resulted in their falling out. “I went to her in May, and I was like, ‘Grace, you know everything that I’m going through, and you still refuse to defend me online because it helps build you up. “
O’Malley’s Next Move
After leaving Barstool Sports, O’Malley signed on with Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network. Cooper, an internet personality behind the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, recently invited O’Malley to her media-following. The Unwell Network posted on Instagram, “@gracekomalley IS UN-F*CKING-WELL!!! Welcome home ❤️👏😉.”
LaPaglia’s Perspective
LaPaglia spoke about their friendship ending on the “BFFs” podcast, saying she will always hold their shared time in her heart. “I’m always gonna have love for Grace [and] will always cherish everything that we did with PlanBri,” she added.
Portnoy’s Stance on the Situation
Portnoy stressed that he did not want to pick sides in the spat between O’Malley and LaPaglia. He added, “I don’t want this headache of being stuck between two life-long friends.”
Grace O’Malley’s exit from Barstool Sports is a major shakeup to the company’s content game. Her transition to the Unwell Network also shows that she plans to keep a career in the media industry.
