Mary Kate Cornett Speaks Out Against Viral Rumor, Plans Legal Action

Mary Kate Cornett, a student at the University of Mississippi who is 18 years old, is in the middle of a bad situation because an untrue story about her spread online.

The Mary Kate Cornett rumor in which she was falsely accused of inappropriateness with her boyfriend’s father has brought extreme emotional and psychological pain to the young student. Cornett now plans to take legal action against those individuals who took the unsubstantiated rumors, including ESPN’s Pat McAfee and others.

Mary Kate Cornett rumor first cropped up on social media platforms like YikYak before spreading its wings on X (the former Twitter).

While totally unfounded, because of the smutty nature of the lie, figures in mainstream media were very interested in it. On February 26, on The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee and his colleagues discussed the rumor, further disseminating it. While Cornett’s name was not mentioned, the situation left little in doubt as to whom they referred.

The impact of the Mary Kate Cornett rumor has been devastating. Cornett has endured constant harassment, such as profanity, having her phone number posted on the internet, and even a “swatting” episode at her mother’s residence.

The harassment has led her to have to move to emergency housing, change to online courses, and stay away from public areas on campus. In an interview, Cornett expressed her anguish, stating, “You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention.”

Cornett and her family have denied the allegations flat out as “categorically false.” Dedicated to holding those responsible accountable, Cornett has pursued legal counsel in an effort to pursue options against McAfee, ESPN, and other entities responsible for spreading the Mary Kate Cornett rumor.

Her attorney, Monica Uddin, has cited the damage inflicted by such irresponsible observation, continuing, “They gave a lie a million people a boost, causing irreparable harm to Mary Kate.”