Overview

• Pat McAfee addressed the controversy during his 'Big Night Aht' show, acknowledging the backlash but stopping short of issuing an apology.
• The unsubstantiated rumor, which McAfee discussed on his ESPN program in February, falsely alleged that Ole Miss student Mary Kate Cornett had an affair with her boyfriend’s father.
• Cornett, 19, has faced severe harassment, including death threats and a swatting incident involving her mother, prompting her to switch to online classes and relocate on campus.
• Cornett and her attorney, Monica Uddin, have announced plans to pursue legal action against McAfee and ESPN, asserting that their actions caused significant emotional and reputational harm.
• McAfee's comments focused on finding a 'silver lining' in what he described as a 'terrible situation,' but critics have called for greater accountability and a direct apology.