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Pat McAfee Pledges to Find “Silver Lining” After Amplifying False Rumor About University Student
ESPN personality Pat McAfee has vowed to create “some sort of positive outcome in a very unfortunate situation” after he publicly discussed a sexual internet rumor concerning a University of Mississippi student. The student claims the rumor is baseless and has “ruined” her life. This incident highlights the potential harm of spreading misinformation online and the responsibility of public figures.
McAfee’s On-Air Remarks Spark Controversy
During a February 26 episode of his program, McAfee addressed an online rumor involving an “Ole Miss fraternity member” and his “Kappa Delta sorority girlfriend.” Referring to information circulating online, McAfee informed his audience of an alleged scenario where “a father had intercourse with his sonās girlfriendā¦ then it became public knowledgeā¦ thatās the absolute worst-case scenario.”
Student Denies Rumor, Cites Harassment
Internet users had previously linked the rumor to Mary Kate Cornett, a 19-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi. Cornett stated to NBC News earlier this month that the rumor is completely false. She explained that the widespread nature of the rumor has led to a barrage of harassment and insults, which have “practically destroyed my life,” she asserted.
“Big Night Aht” Show Addresses Backlash
McAfee appeared to reference the issue during his live “Big Night Aht” show on Wednesday evening at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
He mentioned a previous lawsuit from former football player Brett Favre before transitioning to the current controversy.
McAfee’s Response to Criticism
“I have a good relationship with Brett. Similarly, in the present situation where numerous individuals are suggesting I should be sued, I want to declare this: I never intend to contribute negatively to anyoneās life,” McAfee stated.
“I did not intend to increase any negativity while it was unfoldingā¦ we will endeavor to resolve this and generate some form of silver lining from a truly awful situation,” he continued. “Therefore, you can consider that a commitment from me. It will be less problematic to remain a supporter of mine moving forward.”
McAfee also disseminated a clip of these comments on X on Wednesday evening.
He did not explicitly name Cornett or the specifics of the “awful situation.” However, numerous X users responded to the speech excerpt, urging McAfee to issue an apology to her.
Rumor’s Origin and Spread on Social Media
Cornett informed NBC News that the initial rumor began as anonymous gossip on YikYak, a messaging application favored by some college students. It subsequently gained traction on X with “hundreds upon hundreds” of posts falsely identifying her as the subject of the rumor. The issue escalated significantly when McAfee addressed it.
Student Claims Lack of Contact from McAfee
She told NBC News that McAfee “never once contacted me to verify the truth of this or to request any form of statement from me.”
“I found it utterly absurd that an ESPN sports broadcaster would be discussing a 19-year-old girlās āsex scandalā that was entirely fabricated,” she added.
Legal Ramifications Considered
Monica Uddin, Cornettās attorney, indicated her belief that her client was a victim of online harassment and that grounds for a defamation lawsuit exist. Cornett previously stated her intention to pursue legal action against both McAfee and ESPN.
Student’s Emotional Distress
“Having your life negatively impacted by individuals who are completely unfamiliar with you is the most devastating feeling imaginable,” Cornett expressed. “It evokes intense loneliness. It is a dreadful ordeal.”
NBC News has contacted McAfee and her legal representative for comment regarding McAfeeās Wednesday remarks. Cornettās family declined to provide comment on Thursday.