Mary Kate Cornett, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), has been the target of a damaging and unfounded rumor that has significantly disrupted her life. In February 2025, false allegations surfaced online, claiming she had an affair with her boyfriend’s father. The rumor gained widespread attention after being mentioned on “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN, leading to severe harassment, including doxxing, threatening messages, and a “swatting” incident at her mother’s residence.
In response to the ordeal, Cornett is pursuing legal action against ESPN and Pat McAfee, alleging that their amplification of the falsehoods has caused significant emotional distress and jeopardized her personal safety. She has expressed a desire for accountability, stating that the dissemination of the rumors has profoundly affected her well-being.
To support victims of cyberattacks, Cornett’s father has initiated a GoFundMe campaign aimed at establishing a foundation dedicated to assisting those affected by defamatory online content.