Pat McAfee, an ESPN host, inadvertently amplified a false sexual internet rumor about a University of Mississippi student, Mary Kate Cornett, on his show. The rumor falsely accused Cornett of being involved in a scandal with her boyfriend’s father. The virality of the rumor caused Cornett to receive harassment and insults, leading her to say that her life was “ruined.” McAfee addressed the issue during a live show, expressing a desire to create a positive outcome from the situation. Cornett, through her attorney, has stated that she believes she was a victim of cyberbullying and defamation, and intends to take legal action against McAfee and ESPN. The scandal originated from an anonymous post on the YikYak app and grew when McAfee discussed it on his show. Despite not reaching out to assess the truth of the rumor, McAfee vowed to work towards creating a positive resolution. Cornett described the experience as isolating and devastating. NBC News reached out to McAfee and Cornett’s attorney following his comments, while Cornett’s family opted to not comment. The situation serves as a reminder of the harmful impact of false rumors and the importance of verifying information before amplifying it, especially when it involves individuals’ personal lives.
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