In a troubling turn of events, Mary Kate Cornett, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi, has found her life turned upside down due to a malicious rumor that spread like wildfire across social media. The rumor, which falsely claimed that she had an intimate relationship with her boyfriend's father, was discussed on the February 26 episode of 'The Pat McAfee Show' and has led Cornett to consider legal action against the show and its host, Pat McAfee, along with ESPN and others who amplified the false narrative.
The origins of the rumor can be traced back to the anonymous social media platform YikYak, where it first surfaced before rapidly spreading to Twitter and other platforms. By the time it reached McAfee's show, it had already gained significant traction, leading to widespread harassment directed at Cornett. On the show, McAfee and his co-hosts joked about the situation, with one co-host referring to a "ménage à trois" and McAfee stating that this was the "absolute worst-case situation" for anyone involved. He added, "At this exact moment, this is what is being reported by everybody on the internet: Dad had sex with son’s girlfriend," emphasizing the word "allegedly" throughout the discussion.
As the rumors escalated, Cornett experienced severe consequences. She reported receiving degrading messages and threats, which forced her to move into emergency housing and switch to online classes for her safety. In a poignant interview with The Athletic, she expressed her anguish, stating, "You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention, while I’m staying up until 5 in the morning, throwing up, not eating because I’m so anxious about what’s going to happen for the rest of my life." Her family has also been targeted, with her 89-year-old grandfather receiving harassing phone calls.
In the wake of the incident, Cornett's attorney, Monica Uddin, has indicated that they are exploring legal action against those who profited from spreading the false rumor. Uddin criticized the media personalities involved, saying, "They elevated a lie from the worst corners of social media to millions of general sports fans just to get a few more clicks and ultimately a few more dollars." She pointed out that while these individuals may not face the consequences of their actions, Cornett will carry the burden of the lie for the rest of her life.
In the days following the rumor’s emergence, the situation escalated to alarming levels. On February 27, Houston police arrived at Cornett's mother’s house with guns drawn in what was described as an instance of "swatting"—a dangerous prank where someone falsely reports a serious crime to dispatch emergency services to a location. This incident, along with the numerous threats Cornett has faced, has left her feeling unsafe and anxious, forcing her to avoid campus and social interactions.
As the fallout continues, Cornett's father, Justin Cornett, expressed his frustration over the situation, stating, "These folks can just say whatever they want and destroy a young girl’s life forever. No one’s safe from this sort of attack. It could happen to you, it could happen to someone you love." He has even hired a private investigator and contacted local and federal authorities to address the threats against his family.
Despite the overwhelming evidence of the harm caused by the rumor, both McAfee and ESPN have declined to comment on the situation. This lack of accountability raises significant questions about the responsibility of media personalities in the age of social media, where rumors can spread rapidly and have devastating effects on individuals’ lives.
Mary Kate Cornett's story serves as a stark reminder of the power of misinformation and the real-world consequences it can have on innocent people. As she contemplates her next steps and the potential for legal action, the hope is that her experience will shed light on the need for greater responsibility among those with significant media platforms.
As the situation develops, many are left wondering whether McAfee will address the controversy on his show or remain silent in the aftermath of this explosive story. The implications of this incident extend beyond Cornett, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in the media landscape.
In the end, the rapid spread of false information not only jeopardized Mary Kate Cornett’s safety and well-being but also raised critical questions about the ethics of reporting and the role of those who choose to amplify harmful narratives for entertainment or profit.
