Pat McAfee and Dave Portnoy Address Legal Fallout Over Amplified False Rumor

Mary Kate Cornett, an Ole Miss student, moves forward with legal action as McAfee and Portnoy publicly acknowledge their roles in spreading a damaging unsubstantiated claim.

Mary Kate Cornett, a University of Mississippi student, is pursuing legal action against Pat McAfee, ESPN, and Barstool Sports personalities for amplifying a false sexual rumor that she says has upended her life.
Pat McAfee, during a live event on April 9, addressed the controversy for the first time, expressing regret but stopping short of an apology, while promising to find a 'silver lining' in the situation.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy publicly apologized for his organization's involvement, calling the rumor 'vicious' and acknowledging moral wrongdoing, while exploring mediation with Cornett's legal team.
The false rumor, which originated on the anonymous app YikYak, led to severe harassment, including a swatting incident at Cornett's mother's home and her relocation to emergency housing on campus.
The case has reignited debates about media accountability, the ethical responsibilities of public platforms, and the real-world consequences of amplifying unverified claims.