Ole Miss Student to Sue Over Viral Rumor Spread by Public Figures

Mary Kate Cornett speaks out about the emotional toll of a false affair rumor and confirms legal action against ESPN's Pat McAfee and others.

Mary Kate Cornett, a University of Mississippi student, has publicly addressed the severe harassment she faced after a false rumor about her went viral in February 2025.
The rumor, which originated on the anonymous app YikYak, claimed Cornett had an affair with her boyfriend's father and was later amplified by public figures, including Pat McAfee on ESPN.
Cornett revealed the emotional and personal toll of the incident, including death threats, doxxing, and a swatting incident targeting her mother, which forced her to switch to online classes.
She plans to pursue defamation lawsuits against McAfee, ESPN, and others who spread the unverified claims, with her attorney emphasizing that disclaimers like 'allegedly' do not absolve responsibility.
The case has sparked broader discussions about media accountability, the dangers of viral misinformation, and the legal protections available to victims of cyberbullying and defamation.