University of Mississippi Student, Mary Kate Cornett, Speaks Out on Life Ruined by Viral False Rumor
In a heartbreaking tale of online harassment, 19-year-old Mary Kate Cornett, a student at the University of Mississippi, recently shared her experience of becoming the target of a viral rumor that has devastated her life. Cornett says that she and her family have been subjected to intense harassment and distress in the weeks following the spread of a false rumor about her relationship with her boyfriend’s father.
The rumor, which began circulating on the social media platform YikYak, falsely claimed that Cornett had been involved in an affair with her boyfriend’s father. The accusation quickly gained traction and was amplified by high-profile figures, including ESPN host Pat McAfee. As the rumor snowballed, Cornett found herself at the center of a damaging online firestorm.
“I couldn’t believe what was happening,” Cornett told NBC News. “Within an hour and a half of hearing about it, I started noticing people staring at me as I walked through campus. I checked Twitter, and there I was, trending on X with hundreds of posts, each one describing me as the person at the center of this outrageous rumor.”
Cornett’s attorney, Monica Uddin, has expressed concern that this case highlights the damaging impact of cyberbullying and online defamation. Uddin believes that Cornett is a victim of severe reputational harm and that this case constitutes grounds for legal action. “This is clearly an example of cyberbullying gone horribly wrong,” said Uddin. “Mary Kate has been unfairly targeted, and the damage to her reputation and emotional well-being is undeniable.”
The emotional toll on Cornett has been profound. As the rumor gained traction, she faced a barrage of insults, judgment, and unwarranted public scrutiny. The experience has left her feeling isolated and overwhelmed, not just by the online harassment but by the fact that the false narrative was allowed to spread unchecked.
Cornett’s family has also been impacted by the situation, with relatives reporting that they have faced personal attacks and stress due to the ongoing harassment directed at Mary Kate. As a result, the family has decided to take legal action to hold those responsible for spreading the rumor accountable.
“We are looking into legal avenues to address the harm caused by this incident, including considering defamation suits against Pat McAfee, ESPN, and others who may have contributed to the dissemination of this false information,” Uddin explained. “The spreading of such lies without consequence has to stop, and we believe Mary Kate deserves justice.”
As Cornett and her legal team work toward accountability, she is determined to reclaim her life and move past the public humiliation she’s faced. Despite the immense challenges, she remains hopeful that this experience can lead to positive change in how online rumors are handled and the impact they can have on individuals’ lives.
“My reputation has been ruined,” Cornett said in her interview with NBC News. “But I hope my story will show others that they don’t have to endure this kind of suffering in silence. There has to be a consequence for spreading false information.”
The case highlights the growing concern over the power of social media and its ability to amplify harmful misinformation. In an age where online platforms can quickly elevate rumors to viral status, the consequences for the individuals at the center of these false narratives are often devastating.
For now, Cornett and her family continue to seek justice and hope to bring awareness to the consequences of cyberbullying and online defamation. Her legal battle is far from over, but she is determined to make sure that the spread of damaging rumors does not go unchecked.