Ole Miss freshman Mary Kate Cornett is speaking out about the devastating consequences of a false rumor that went viral. The rumor, which claimed Cornett had a relationship with her boyfriend’s father, was initially discussed on ESPN host Pat McAfee’s talk show in February 2025. While McAfee didn’t name Cornett directly, the story quickly spread across other sports media outlets, leading to a torrent of online harassment.
The fallout has been severe. Cornett has been subjected to a relentless barrage of hateful messages on social media and even in her dorm. She’s since moved to emergency housing and transitioned to online classes to escape the relentless attacks. In a heartbreaking interview with NBC News, Cornett described the emotional toll, recounting the constant stream of abusive calls and texts accusing her of being a “whore,” a “slut,” and expressing wishes for her death. She emphasized the immense difficulty of enduring such widespread online hatred and the feeling of utter isolation it caused.
The source of the original rumor on X (formerly Twitter) remains unknown to Cornett. However, the situation escalated dramatically when her photo, name, and phone number were posted online, making her a trending topic and a target for harassment. The situation even extended beyond digital platforms; a fraudulent 911 call was made, sending police to her mother’s home.
Despite the significant impact on her life, Cornett reports that she has received no apologies from those involved in spreading the false information. She has been open about her plans to pursue legal action against McAfee and ESPN, stating in an interview with _The Athletic_ that she wants those responsible to be held accountable for their actions. The emotional distress she has experienced has been profound, impacting her mental health and daily life, leaving her anxious and struggling to cope with the long-term consequences.
This incident highlights the severe consequences of online rumors and the urgent need for accountability for those who spread misinformation, regardless of their platform or public profile. It underscores the devastating impact false accusations can have on individuals and the importance of responsible reporting and social media usage.
