An Ole Miss freshman, Mary Kate Cornett, is speaking out against sports media star Pat McAfee for spreading false rumors that have spiraled out of control, causing her significant distress. In a heartfelt interview with The Athletic, Mary Kate said she feels the impact of these rumors each day. “They don’t think it matters, because they don’t know who I am. But I don’t deserve this,” the 18-year-old explained.
The controversy began when, during his podcast on February 26, McAfee shifted gears from sports to discuss an unverified story circulating on social media. He hinted at a scandal involving Ole Miss, jokingly referencing a rumor about a father-son relationship impacted by an affair. Although he never named Mary Kate, his words exacerbated an already damaging narrative that had originated on the anonymous app YikYak. This claim exploded on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and soon made its way to McAfee’s show, which enjoys a large following.
In the wake of McAfee’s discussion, the rumor gained traction, with other media personalities jumping in as well. Barstool Sports personalities referenced the story, launching memes and even promoting tokens tied to Mary Kate’s name. This kind of attention has steeped her life in anxiety and torment. “Popular figures gave life to something that was completely false,” she lamented.
The fallout hasn’t just affected Mary Kate; her family has also suffered. Her father described it as watching their child being dragged along helplessly by a car. “You just have to sit there and watch your kid be destroyed,” he said. After threats escalated, including a terrifying swatting incident at their home, Mary Kate and her family have had to cope with harassment and threats against them.
In light of this, Mary Kate has secured legal representation, aiming to hold McAfee and ESPN accountable. Her attorney, Monica Uddin, is also considering action against those creating digital currencies in her name. “This is a new twist on an all-too-familiar problem,” Uddin noted, adding, “it’s even worse when it’s about an 18-year-old girl.”
Mary Kate’s story opens a broader discussion about accountability in digital spaces, particularly for young individuals targeted by online rumors. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, nearly 70% of teens witness bullying online, yet many don’t report it due to fear of further retaliation.
With public figures like McAfee riding the line between entertainment and responsible discourse, it’s critical to question how media personalities can sometimes contribute to the destruction of lives through careless jokes and unfounded rumors. As this situation develops, it serves as a reminder of the real-world consequences of our words, particularly in the age of social media where misinformation can spread like wildfire.
Mary Kate’s experience invites us to think critically about the role of media in shaping narratives and the moral responsibility that comes with a platform. She hopes to see accountability for those who amplified her pain. “You’re ruining my life for attention,” she emphasized poignantly.
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