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Pat McAfee Apologizes to Mary Kate Cornett for Amplifying False Rumor

His formal apology underscores broadcasters’ accountability with Cornett’s defamation lawsuits proceeding in federal court.

Pat McAfee
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Pat McAfee has apologized to Ole Miss student Mary Kate Cornett and her family after amplifying a false rumor about her on "The Pat McAfee Show" in February.

Overview

  • McAfee admitted on air that the rumor about Cornett was untrue and that his commentary had caused significant emotional distress.
  • He acknowledged relying solely on online chatter without any personal knowledge of Cornett’s life before discussing the story.
  • Cornett has filed defamation lawsuits against McAfee, ESPN and other sports media figures, and those legal actions remain active.
  • The unfounded allegation originated in February on Ole Miss message boards and YikYak before being picked up by McAfee, Antonio Brown and Barstool Sports personalities.
  • Cornett and her family endured doxxing and a swatting incident, prompting her to relocate her campus housing and switch to online classes for safety.