College Student, Subject of Viral Rumor, Plans Legal Action

Mary Kate Cornett, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), has found herself at the center of a viral rumor that significantly disrupted her life. The rumor, which falsely claimed she had an affair with her boyfriend’s father, originated on the anonymous messaging app YikYak in February 2025 and quickly spread across social media platforms like X and TikTok. 

The situation escalated when high-profile sports media personalities, including ESPN host Pat McAfee, discussed the rumor on his show, "The Pat McAfee Show," on February 26, 2025, amplifying its reach to millions. Despite McAfee not naming Cornett directly and using the term "allegedly," the rumor’s spread led to severe consequences for her.

Cornett and her family have consistently denied the allegations, labeling them "categorically false." 

Mary Kate Cornett

The fallout has been devastating: she faced relentless online and in-person harassment, including threatening messages, doxxing, and an apparent swatting incident at her mother’s home in Houston. She was forced to move into emergency housing on campus, switch to online classes, and remove her name from her dorm room door due to safety concerns. The emotional toll was immense, with Cornett describing sleepless nights, anxiety-induced vomiting, and an inability to eat as she worried about the long-term impact on her life.

In response, Cornett has spoken out about her ordeal, notably in an interview with The Athletic published on April 1, 2025. 

She expressed a desire for accountability, stating, “I would like people to be held accountable for what they’ve done. You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention.” 

She has retained legal representation and is planning to take legal action against McAfee, ESPN (which airs his show), and potentially others, such as Barstool Sports personalities who also referenced the rumor online. Her attorney, Monica Uddin, suggested that the case could target those who profited from spreading the falsehood, framing it as a modern twist on a familiar problem of defamation amplified by social media.