Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was left stunned after receiving a surprise letter from Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour stop in Miami. Portnoy shared his excitement on social media, revealing the heartfelt message from the pop star that has since caused a stir among both Swifties and his own followers.
The VIP Experience: Taylor’s Letter to Dave Portnoy
Portnoy recounted the moment he found himself in the VIP section of Swift’s Miami concert, where he was unexpectedly approached by Austin Swift, Taylor’s brother. “Austin hand-delivered me a letter from Taylor herself, in the VIP section,” Portnoy shared. The note, written on her personal stationery, expressed Taylor’s gratitude for Portnoy’s ongoing support.
The letter read:
“Dave, I’m so happy to have you at the show tonight. I want to say thank you for always being so supportive, so loyal, for having my back when a lot of people didn’t. I hope you have a blast tonight. Love, Taylor.” Swift even signed off with a playful “feline enthusiast” note, a nod to her well-known love for cats.
For Portnoy, this personal message was a meaningful gesture. He shared the note on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into the star’s appreciation for his loyalty over the years.
The Haters: Portnoy Faces Backlash From Swifties
Despite the special moment, some Swifties were quick to accuse Dave Portnoy of being a “fake fan.” A viral post emerged from a fan questioning his authenticity and claiming that Taylor’s camp was not fond of him. “I should be on Cloud 9,” Portnoy remarked, “but this girl kind of went viral trashing me, saying I’m a fake Swifty and that Taylor’s camp hates me.”
He was quick to refute the claims, pointing out that this was his second time attending the Eras Tour, and he had always been a fan of Swift’s work. The Swiftie backlash, however, didn’t dampen Portnoy’s spirits for long.
The Special Treatment: Meeting Taylor’s Family
The highlight of the night came when Andrea Swift, Taylor’s mother, personally sought out Portnoy for a heartfelt exchange. “Her mom came over, and we had a real hug,” Portnoy recalled. “She told me they’ve followed me for years and appreciate my support.”
In a rare moment of connection, Portnoy expressed how humbled he was by the interaction with Swift’s family. Though he didn’t get to meet Taylor herself, he shared, “That’s fine. I don’t think she ever really meets people while she’s performing.”
A Message to the Haters: Love Wins
Despite the backlash from some fans, Portnoy took the high road. “I think Taylor would want me to take the high road, so I will,” he said in response to his critics. “Yes, I had the time of my life. Yes, I can’t believe I met Austin and her mother.”
He ended with a message of love and positivity, encouraging everyone to “check themselves” before jumping to conclusions. “Let’s just practice love. That’s the message: love wins,” Portnoy concluded.
Through this special moment, Dave Portnoy’s relationship with Taylor Swift and her family was solidified, proving that even amid criticism, loyalty and positivity prevail.
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