Ole Miss Freshman Mary Kate Cornett Takes Legal Action Over Viral Rumor

In an alarming case highlighting the consequences of unchecked rumors in the digital age, Mary Kate Cornett, a freshman at the University of Mississippi, is preparing to take legal action against ESPN host Pat McAfee and others who amplified a false rumor about her personal life. The situation escalated rapidly after a lewd claim about her surfaced on social media, leading to harassment and severe emotional distress.

The incident began on February 25, 2025, when an anonymous post on the app YikYak claimed that Cornett had engaged in a sexual relationship with her boyfriend’s father. Within a day, the rumor spread across various social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), where it gained traction and caught the attention of McAfee.

On February 26, during an episode of his popular ESPN show, McAfee discussed the rumor, saying, "What’s going on at Ole Miss?" He referenced the scandal without naming Cornett but made it clear he was talking about her. This segment reached millions of viewers, including 2.8 million YouTube subscribers, and quickly became a trending topic. The fallout was immediate, as the rumor gained momentum and was picked up by other media personalities, including former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown and Barstool Sports commentators Jack Mac and KFC.

In an exclusive interview with NBC Nightly News on April 2, 2025, Cornett expressed her outrage, stating, "I’m not a public figure that you can go talk about on your show to get more views." She described the emotional toll the incident has taken on her life, revealing that she has been forced to switch to online classes and move into emergency housing to escape harassment. "I don’t think these boys know what they’re doing to people," she added, highlighting the reckless nature of their comments.

As the rumor spread, Cornett became a target of online abuse. Her personal information was leaked, leading to an influx of harassing messages and threats. On February 27, police were called to her mother’s home in Houston due to a swatting incident, which involved a false report that prompted a heavy police response. Cornett's father, Justin Cornett, has since hired a private investigator and involved the Oxford Police Department to help address the harassment.

Legal experts suggest that Cornett may have grounds for a defamation case against McAfee and ESPN. According to her attorney, Monica Uddin, "Not using her name is not a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card; saying ‘allegedly’ is not a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card. These people are responsible for what they have done to her." Cornett’s family is determined to hold those responsible accountable for the damages caused by the false claims.

The case raises significant questions about the responsibilities of media figures in the age of social media, where rumors can spread like wildfire without verification. Dr. Sameer Hinduja, a professor at Florida Atlantic University and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, emphasized the challenges victims face in the digital age, stating, "Being at the center of a viral scandal often subjects individuals to cyberbullying, harassment, and relentless public shaming." Cornett's experience is a stark reminder of the potential real-world consequences of online rumors.

Cornett has publicly stated that the rumor is "100 percent completely false" and has expressed her desire for accountability. In her words, "You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention, but here I am staying up until 5 in the morning, every night, throwing up, not eating because I’m so anxious about what’s going to happen for the rest of my life." This statement encapsulates the severe emotional distress she has endured since the rumor began.

As the situation unfolds, Cornett's case has sparked discussions about the need for reform in how defamation and cyberbullying are addressed legally. Currently, victims of online harassment often find themselves navigating a complex legal landscape that fails to adequately protect them from the harm caused by viral misinformation.

In light of these events, Cornett's story serves as a cautionary tale about the power of social media and the responsibility that comes with it. As she prepares to take legal action, many are watching closely to see how this case might influence future discussions on defamation, online harassment, and the responsibilities of media figures. The outcome could have significant implications for how similar cases are handled in the future.

As the narrative continues to develop, it remains clear that behind the headlines and social media posts, there is a real person experiencing profound distress due to the actions of others. Cornett's determination to seek justice may pave the way for greater accountability in the digital age.