Mary Kate Cornett, a freshman at Ole Miss, found herself at the center of a salacious rumor that spread online after ESPN host Pat McAfee discussed it on his show. The rumor alleged that a student at the university had slept with her boyfriend’s father, causing Cornett to receive vile messages on social media and in person. The harassment was so severe that Cornett moved to emergency housing and switched to online courses to avoid facing the backlash in person. Despite the negative attention, Cornett has not received an apology from anyone involved in spreading the rumor.
The rumor about Cornett began on social media, specifically X (formerly known as Twitter), where her photo, name, and phone number were posted, leading to a significant increase in harassment towards her. The situation escalated when someone made a fake 911 call to police, resulting in Cornett’s mother’s house being visited by law enforcement. Cornett described receiving thousands of calls and texts calling her derogatory names and telling her to harm herself. The situation has had a profound impact on her mental health, leaving her feeling isolated and alone as her reputation was tarnished by an untrue rumor.
Despite the damaging effects of the rumor on her life, Cornett has not received an apology from any of the individuals who propagated and perpetuated the false information. She expressed her desire for accountability and justice, stating that she and her legal team were planning on taking action against McAfee and ESPN. Cornett emphasized that the public figures who discussed the rumor on their platforms did not consider the real-life consequences on her mental health and reputation. The lack of remorse or acknowledgment from those involved has only added to the distress Cornett has experienced as a result of the malicious rumor.
Cornett shared her emotional response to the situation, expressing her frustration and pain at being at the center of such a damaging and false narrative. She tearfully discussed the impact the rumor had on her life, including the anxiety and physical symptoms she experienced as a result of the ongoing harassment and attacks she faced. Cornett highlighted the lack of understanding from those who contributed to spreading the rumor and emphasized the need for accountability for the harm that was caused to her. Despite the difficult circumstances she faced, Cornett is determined to seek justice for the trauma she endured as a result of the fabricated story that circulated online.
The lack of an apology or acknowledgment of the harm caused by spreading the false rumor has only added to the distress and suffering experienced by Cornett. She described the feeling of isolation and loneliness that resulted from having her life upended by individuals who did not know her personally. The impact on her mental health and well-being has been significant, as she detailed the physical symptoms and emotional turmoil she has been grappling with since the rumor began to circulate. Cornett’s story sheds light on the destructive power of online rumors and the lasting consequences of false information spread in the digital age.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Cornett remains determined to hold those responsible for spreading the false rumor accountable for the harm they caused. She emphasized the need for individuals to consider the real-world impact of their actions, particularly when discussing sensitive and damaging information without verifying its accuracy. Cornett’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online rumors and the importance of empathy, integrity, and responsibility in the digital landscape. She continues to seek justice and resolution for the trauma she experienced as a result of the unfounded and malicious rumor that disrupted her life and reputation.
