Ole Miss Student Seeks Legal Action After ESPN's Pat McAfee Amplifies False Rumor

Mary Kate Cornett, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi, is pursuing legal action against ESPN's Pat McAfee for amplifying false rumors about her involvement in an alleged affair with her boyfriend's father during a broadcast on February 26. Cornett claims that McAfee's jokes and commentary on the rumor, which gained traction on social media, have severely damaged her reputation and caused significant emotional distress. Despite never naming her directly, McAfee highlighted the scandal during his podcast, prompting uncomfortable reactions from his colleagues and contributing to the viral spread of the unfounded allegations. Cornett expressed her desire for those responsible for spreading the rumor to be held accountable, stating, "They don’t think it matters, because they don’t know who I am and they think that I deserve it." The incident illustrates the potential consequences of unchecked social media gossip and raises questions about media responsibility in reporting on such rumors. As Cornett navigates the fallout from this incident, the case underscores the impact of sensationalism in sports media on the lives of individuals.