An 18-year-old Ole Miss college freshman is planning legal action against ESPN and sports personality Pat McAfee over a viral internet rumor that has significantly impacted her life. The rumor, which alleges that Mary Kate Cornett had a sexual relationship with her boyfriend’s father, gained traction in late February 2025 and has led to severe emotional distress and harassment for the young student.
Speaking to The Athletic, Cornett expressed her desire for accountability, stating, "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." Cornett's life took a drastic turn after she saw a post on YikYak, an anonymous social media platform, on February 25, 2025, claiming she had slept with her boyfriend’s father. The unfounded allegation quickly spread across social media, becoming a trending topic on X (formerly known as Twitter).
On February 26, during a live episode of "The Pat McAfee Show," McAfee referenced the rumor without naming Cornett. He asked his guest, ESPN's Adam Schefter, "Have you heard about Ole Miss?" and proceeded to discuss the allegations, saying, "Dad had sex with son’s girlfriend." Schefter attempted to redirect the conversation back to football, but the damage was already done. Cornett stated that McAfee's comments turned her world upside down and led to rampant harassment.
Following the broadcast, Cornett experienced severe backlash. She reported receiving provocative messages slipped under her dorm room door, and her phone number was leaked online, resulting in degrading texts and voicemails. "I can’t even walk on campus without people taking pictures of me or screaming my name or saying super vulgar, disgusting things to me," she said. The emotional toll has been so severe that Cornett has transitioned to online learning and moved into emergency housing due to safety concerns.
The situation escalated further when Houston police responded to a false emergency report at her mother’s home on February 27, a dangerous hoax known as "swatting." Cornett's father, Justin, described the helplessness he felt watching his daughter suffer, saying, "It’s like you’re walking with your daughter on the street, holding her hand, and a car mirror snags her shirt and starts dragging her down the road. And all you can do is watch." He has since hired a private investigator and contacted local police, Ole Miss campus security, and the FBI regarding the situation.
Cornett has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a foundation aimed at helping victims of similar defamatory cyberattacks. The campaign has raised over $26,000. In her statement on the fundraising page, she described herself as a victim of a "deliberate and coordinated cyberattack spreading categorically false and defamatory information." Cornett also pointed fingers at McAfee, Antonio Brown, and personalities from Barstool Sports for perpetuating the rumor without seeking the truth.
Monica Uddin, Cornett’s attorney, has indicated that they will explore legal action against McAfee, ESPN, and others involved in spreading the rumor. Uddin noted, "This is just a Wild West version of a very familiar problem. It’s just that it’s even worse because it’s not a company. It’s an 18-year-old girl." Cornett’s case has highlighted the potential dangers of social media and the responsibility that influencers have when discussing unverified claims.
In her public response, Cornett has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "100% completely false" and "disturbing." Her boyfriend has also publicly defended her, labeling the rumor as "unequivocally false." Despite the support from friends and family, Cornett continues to feel the weight of the rumor, worrying about its long-term impact on her life and future.
As McAfee's show continues to gain popularity, the implications of his comments raise questions about the ethics of discussing unverified rumors in the media. The former NFL punter, who reportedly earns $17 million a year from ESPN, has faced controversy before, including remarks about WNBA player Caitlin Clark and unfounded claims made by NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, this incident has taken a toll on a non-public figure, highlighting the real-world consequences of online gossip.
As the investigation into the harassment continues, Cornett hopes for justice and accountability, stating, "I would like people to be held accountable for what they’ve done." She emphasizes the need for responsibility among those with large platforms, insisting that the impact of their words can have devastating effects on individuals like her. As the situation unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of unchecked rumors in the digital age.
