Who is Mary Kate Cornett?
Mary Kate Cornett, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), became the center of an internet storm when a false and damaging rumor about her personal life spread like wildfire.
It all started in February 2025, when an anonymous post on YikYak falsely claimed that Cornett had an inappropriate relationship with her boyfriend’s father. Within days, the baseless rumor spread across social media platforms, leading to harassment, threats, and even doxxing.
How Pat McAfee Got Involved in the Scandal
The controversy escalated when ESPN host Pat McAfee discussed the rumor on The Pat McAfee Show on February 26, 2025.
Although McAfee did not mention Cornett’s name, his comments and references made it easy for listeners to connect the dots. As a result, the false accusations gained even more traction, putting Cornett under intense public scrutiny.
The Devastating Impact on Cornett’s Life
The false allegations had severe consequences for Cornett and her family:
- Harassment & Threats – She received vulgar messages, online abuse, and even death threats from strangers.
- Doxxing & Swatting – Her personal details were leaked online, and her family faced a swatting attack (a false emergency report to the police).
- Academic Disruption – Cornett was forced to leave her dorm, move to emergency housing, and switch to online classes due to safety concerns.
Legal Action: Cornett Fights Back
In response to the trauma she endured, Cornett and her family are now considering legal action against Pat McAfee, ESPN, and others who spread the false rumor.
- They plan to sue for defamation, emotional distress, and negligence.
- Cornett has publicly spoken out, calling the allegations completely false and damaging.
- Her father, Justin Cornett, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise awareness about cyberbullying and misinformation.
What This Case Means for Social Media & Journalism
The Mary Kate Cornett scandal highlights the dangers of viral misinformation and the responsibility of media figures when discussing unverified rumors.
As Cornett fights to reclaim her life, this case serves as a wake-up call for responsible reporting and ethical media practices.