Back in February 2025, a strange rumor began to surface on social media, and by April 2025, it had already caused major drama. Mary Kate Cornett, a freshman at Ole Miss, suddenly found her name included in what people online called a wild story—one that allegedly accused her of having slept with her boyfriend’s father. The situation quickly went viral, with thousands sending vile messages straight to her inbox, and it spiraled so badly she had to leave her dorm and be moved to emergency housing.
On his talk show, Pat McAfee briefly slammed the rumors without saying much else, but the damage was already done. Cornett was left anxious, throwing up, not eating, and staying up till 5 in the morning. Despite the false nature of the rumors, no one from ESPN or even McAfee himself has publicly addressed the situation or taken accountable steps. The college student has since switched to online courses to avoid more attention. It reminded me of other sports personalities who’ve been caught in a storm without cause—only this time, it was a student. A White Bitch claims it was meant as a complimentary term, but that only added fuel to the fire. Even Caitlin Clark was name-dropped, though she had nothing to do with it. While The Athletic tried to dig deeper, ESPN declined to comment. And so, Cornett’s name became part of a breakdown no one asked for—all in the name of attention, McAfee, and a show gone too far in ruining someone’s life.
How the Buzz Around Mary Kate Cornett Really Took Off
When the Talk Began to Spread
I first heard about Mary Kate Cornett in a February 2025 post on YikYak, one of those apps where everything is anonymous, yet somehow everyone on campus is aware of the same drama in minutes. The rumor was about a boyfriend’s dad and sex—a heavy accusation that immediately felt like heresay, but that didn’t stop it from becoming viral across social media. Within hours, it was all over X, where people were sharing the claim and dragging Greek life into it, especially Kappa Delta and other sororities.
What made it more captivating was the way it mixed Ole Miss, football, and the quarterback, Jaxson Dart—someone even allegedly named him in connection, though that never seemed public or confirmed. As someone who’s seen this kind of scandal grow from a single platform, it reminded me of how stories like this get attention not because they’re real, but because people love a messy frat bro, a KD girlfriend, and something too wild not to question. When Schefter, or someone pretending to be a sports analyst, shared it on a random episode of a self-titled show, it just added fuel. Whether it was fake or not didn’t matter—the internet was hooked. It felt like every fraternity, every sorority, every college group had reported some version. The naming of names turned a tangent into a moment, and soon even McAfee-style commentators were reacting like it was part of the combine.
What Really Unfolded After the Pat McAfee Controversy?
The story of Mary Kate Cornett took a dark turn after a rumor started to circulate online. It spread fast through social media accounts with millions of followers, especially pages tied to Barstool Sports like KFC Barstool and Jack Mac. What began as a minor joke quickly escalated when Cornett’s identity was revealed, and personal photos along with her phone number were leaked online. The damage didn’t stop there — she became the target of obscene text messages, unsolicited messages, and hateful terms like whore and slut, which flooded her inbox. Her dorm room turned into a place of fear, and even campus security had to step in.
One outlet reported that it all sparked from a misunderstood voicemail connected to the McAfee world, where online personalities, including names like Antonio Brown, somehow got linked through fan theories and memes. I remember watching it unfold and thinking how reckless the internet can be. According to The Athletic, the prank led to a severe swatting incident — the Houston PD arrived at Cornett’s home with guns drawn, terrifying her and her family. Cornett’s mother later spoke out, calling her daughter a victim, and the emotional toll was obvious. No one deserved what happened — and the way the messages and misinformation spiraled made it clear how dangerous digital chaos can be.
How Mary Kate Cornett Faced the Storm of Rumors
Mary’s Candid Response to Online Speculations
In February 2025, Mary Kate Cornett found herself at the center of a viral wave of rumor and misinformation. It all started after a clip from McAfee’s show circulated on social media, sparking claims that were not only completely false, but deeply hurtful. As someone who has dealt firsthand with cyber attacks and bullying, I could instantly feel the weight of what she was going through. She didn’t stay silent. Instead, Mary took to Instagram with a powerful post, calling the disturbing accusations not only baseless but “inexcusable” and “ridiculous.”
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She didn’t just slam the lies—she used her experience to shed light on the real dangers of manipulated content and how social media can easily distort truth. In a moment of raw emotion, she shared the pain and heartbreak she felt, especially knowing how much it affected her loved ones. Mary also expressed how grateful she was for the support from people across the country, saying “Thank you to everyone who stood by me when it mattered most.” She reminded us how important it is to help others, and how sharing our stories can protect someone in the future. I deeply appreciate that strength—it’s not easy to turn a difficult time into something bigger than yourself.
Mary Kate Cornett’s Father Speaks Out Against Pat McAfee
Justin Cornett, the father of Mary Kate Cornett, has publicly condemned Pat McAfee for spreading a false and defamatory rumor that went viral. The rumor suggested a sexual relationship between Mary Kate and her boyfriend, including the controversial claim of a ménage à trois. This salacious rumor gained traction quickly, especially on X (formerly Twitter), and was also shared on media platforms like Barstool and KFC Barstool, where Jack Mac and others discussed it. The initial spread happened on February 19, and by February 25, Justin Cornett had already begun to take action, categorically denying the allegations. He emphasized the damage caused by McAfee’s words and vowed to take legal action for defaming his daughter.
During a sit-down interview with NBC News, Justin Cornett explained how the attacks on Mary Kate were not only false but also had a significant emotional impact on their family. He warned McAfee that, as a public figure with a microphone, he had a responsibility to be cautious when spreading information. The rumor was based on a completely false narrative that McAfee propagated during his show, which was viewed by millions of subscribers on platforms like YouTube and NBC. The Cornett family also faces continued harassment as the rumor spread across various platforms, including NBC, ESPN, and Nightly News. The Cornett family is actively working to restore their reputation and prevent any further defamation from being spread, with plans to take legal action against those responsible for the false information. Antonio Brown was even mentioned in connection to the rumor, further complicating the situation.
Meanwhile, McAfee addressed the matter during a sit-down segment on his live noon broadcast on Feb. 26. Despite his usual confident demeanor, his response lacked clarity, leaving many questioning whether he plans to issue an appeal or continue to propagate the story. With ongoing debates in the Athletic and other media outlets, the situation remains tense. Some speculate that McAfee’s staff and network connections, including NBC, could shield him from repercussions, while others argue that his words have caused significant damage to Cornett’s family.
Mary Kate Speaks Out: “I Don’t Think These Boys Realize the Damage They’re Causing”
The Worst Feeling: Life Ruined by Online Attacks
During an NBC News interview, Cornett spoke with visible emotion about the hateful and negative online attacks that drastically impacted her life. She recalled receiving thousands of calls on her personal phone, each more aggressive than the last. These weren’t just random messages — they were filled with rage, often calling her awful things like she deserved to die. In tears, Cornett shared the worst feeling of her life: a deep sense of being alone, utterly isolated, as if the boys behind these attacks had no idea of the real-world consequences of their words. The awful experience, she said, made her feel like her life was ruined in an instant, a feeling no one should have to endure.
Barstool Sports and Responsibility
In response to the public outcry, Barstool Sports and its owner Dave Portnoy made a statement. In this official statement, they acknowledged the role of their social media channels in spreading harmful rumors. Portnoy, known for his controversial personality, claimed that the employees of Barstool acted without thinking and instinctively posted a story that was likely fabricated. However, Cornett emphasized that this wasn’t just about the company’s responsibility, but about how these personal attacks can permanently damage someone’s well-being. The viral spread of the rumor through social media magnified the pain, leaving her to face the world in a way no one should ever have to.
Mary Kate Cornett and the Fake Sex Rumor Incident
Pat McAfee Slammed for Spreading Fake Rumor on ESPN
On February 26, during an episode of his Show on ESPN, Pat McAfee, a popular personality, reported a fabricated rumor about Mary Kate Cornett, a freshman at Ole Miss. The story claimed that Cornett was involved in a false affair with a boyfriend and her father. The rumor spread like wildfire, quickly becoming viral across social media platforms like X. Within 2.5 hours, the video was viewed millions of times, becoming one of the most trending stories of the day. The scandal reached national attention, appearing on major media outlets like NBC News and causing a wave of discussions on platforms like Mirror and US Sports.
Despite McAfee’s disclaimer that the rumor was unverified, the situation only grew worse. AI-manipulated images of Cornett were shared, and people began sending hateful texts, threatening voicemails, and slurs. Cornett was emotionally devastated, facing the online harassment that turned her life and world upside down. As a result, she was forced to leave her dorm and take a break from her classes at Ole Miss. While Cornett was struggling to cope with the situation, Jaxson Dart, the Ole Miss quarterback and part of the university’s football program, spoke out, calling attention to the emotional toll that such scandals can have on young individuals.
The aftermath of this scandal left many fans and viewers furious with McAfee, questioning his responsibility as a public figure. The rumor mill only made the situation worse, spreading further across the internet and social profiles. McAfee remained silent, and many began calling for him to be fired due to his unprofessional actions. While Cornett and her team are exploring legal avenues for defamation and cyberbullying, the scandal has also led to a resurgence in awareness about the impact of false information. The heartbreak that Cornett faced has ignited conversations about the need for responsibility in the media. As the story continues to unfold, it raises important questions about how rumors can destroy someone’s success and popularity, and the harm they can cause in the age of social media.
