Mary Kate Cornett Fights Back After Viral Affair Scandal: Shocking Truth!

In February 2025, Mary Kate Cornett, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), was targeted by a false and damaging rumour about an alleged affair with her boyfriend's father. This unfounded rumor began on the anonymous social media platform YikYak and quickly circulated across multiple online platforms, causing considerable distress to Cornett and her family.

The situation intensified when media figures, such as ESPN host Pat McAfee, talked about the rumor on their platforms. On February 26, during The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee mentioned the allegation without naming Cornett, which further amplified it.

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Due to the extensive spread of this false information, Cornett faced intense harassment, such as the leaking of her personal details (doxxing), receiving threatening messages, and a "swatting" incident at her mother's home. These incidents forced her to move to emergency housing and switch to online classes for safety reasons. 

As a result, Cornett has hired attorney Monica Uddin and is considering taking legal action against Pat McAfee, ESPN, and others who have spread the defamatory rumor. Cornett highlighted the significant effect on her life, saying, "You're destroying my life by discussing it on your show solely for attention."

To assist other victims of similar cyberattacks, Cornett's father launched a GoFundMe campaign to create a foundation focused on helping individuals impacted by online defamation.

This incident emphasizes the potential damage resulting from the uncontrolled spread of misinformation and underscores the vital importance of responsible communication, especially by influential media personalities.

Mary Kate Cornett Viral Affair