Mary Kate Cornett's life ruined by false rumors on ESPN
- Mary Kate Cornett became the target of a viral rumor claiming she was involved with her boyfriend's father, amplified by media personalities including Pat McAfee.
- The unfounded accusations led to extreme backlash against Cornett and her family, resulting in harassment and a swatting incident at their home.
- Cornett and her family are now pursuing legal action against those responsible for spreading the false claims, highlighting the accountability of public figures.
In recent weeks, Mary Kate Cornett, a 19-year-old University of Mississippi student, found herself at the center of a false rumor that devastated her life. The rumor, which suggested she was involved in an affair with her boyfriend's father, quickly gained traction on social media platforms and was spread by various media figures, including ESPN host Pat McAfee. Cornett stated that the escalation of the rumor began on Feb. 25, 2025, when it first appeared on YikYak, an anonymous social media app popular among college students. Without any verification, McAfee discussed the rumor on his show, leading to its viral spread and further legitimization by other influencers. Cornett described the complete upheaval of her life as she became inundated with harassment and threats, stating that her family faced similar backlash from the online community. As the rumor gained a wider audience, Cornett and her boyfriend publicly denied the allegations, stressing that they were entirely false and distressing. Cornett reported receiving thousands of hostile messages, which contributed to her deteriorating mental health. In reaction to the chaos surrounding her, she was forced to switch to online classes, avoiding face-to-face interactions to cope with the intense harassment. Her father, Justin Cornett, characterized the situation as deeply traumatic for the family, expressing his despair over watching their daughter suffer without any means to protect her. In light of these events, Cornett's parents took legal action to seek accountability from those who spread the false rumors, claiming damages related to cyberbullying and defamation. The fallout from the rumor included serious incidents, such as a swatting event targeting Cornett's family, further illustrating the severe consequences of online falsehoods. Mary Kate's attorney, Monica Uddin, argued that the actions of McAfee and others constituted an unethical breach of responsibility as public figures. She emphasized the potential legal ramifications for spreading unsubstantiated claims about private individuals. As Cornett navigates her difficult journey post-rumor, she continues to seek justice and rebuild her life, while media figures like McAfee are left to reflect on the impact of their words and the responsibilities that come with their platforms. The incident has sparked discussions around the ethics of media broadcasting and the role of social media in shaping narratives about individuals without their consent. It raises crucial questions about the obligations of influential figures to verify information before disseminating it to their audiences, especially when it can lead to real-world harm.