What started as an anonymous post on YikYak, a social media app known for its unfiltered, location-based gossip, has spiraled into a nightmare for 19-year-old Mary Kate Cornett, a freshman at the University of Mississippi. The completely unfounded and false claim accused her of having an affair with her boyfriend’s father.

Within hours, the rumor had taken on a life of its own, spreading like wildfire across social media. Before Cornett even had a chance to react, her name and photos were attached to the accusation, racking up hundreds of millions of views across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.

As her name trended at number one on X, strangers on the internet branded her a homewrecker, bombarded her with harassment, and tore apart her reputation. The situation escalated to a terrifying level when her personal contact information was leaked online, leading to an avalanche of threats.

Now, Cornett is speaking out, angry, devastated, and determined to fight back.

Pat McAfee Adds Fuel to the Fire

The already volatile situation exploded even further when ESPN sports commentator Pat McAfee decided to discuss the rumor on his widely viewed show.

Without reaching out for any verification or giving Cornett the chance to defend herself, McAfee and his co-hosts laughed about the viral scandal, treating the baseless claim like an entertaining piece of sports drama.

Cornett, who had been desperately trying to clear her name, was blindsided.

“This has affected me in such an awful way and has practically ruined my life,” Cornett stated.

She slammed McAfee, stating:

“[McAfee] never once reached out to ask me if this was true or for me to give any sort of statement to him. I thought it was absolutely ridiculous that an ESPN sports broadcaster would be talking about a 19-year-old girl’s ‘sex scandal’ that was completely false.“

Legal experts have since weighed in, suggesting McAfee and ESPN could face serious legal consequences for amplifying the defamatory rumor without any factual basis.

A Nightmare That Won’t End

As Cornett fought to control the damage, the harassment intensified.

• Her phone was flooded with messages, many of them threatening.
• Her mother’s home was SWATTED, a terrifying hoax where police were called under false pretenses, putting innocent lives at risk.
• She was forced to withdraw from campus life, switching to online classes for her safety.

Despite all this, social media users continued to mock her, creating memes and spreading the lie further.

“I feel like my life is over,” Cornett admitted.

Considering Legal Action: “This Cannot Go Unpunished”

Cornett is now considering taking legal action against McAfee, ESPN, and other entities that helped fuel the smear campaign.

Her attorney, Monica Uddin, has made it clear that disclaimers like “allegedly” do not protect someone from legal liability for defamation.

“The law doesn’t allow you to destroy somebody’s reputation and then say, ‘I didn’t name them.’”

If Cornett pursues a lawsuit, McAfee and others involved in spreading the lie could be held financially accountable for the irreparable harm she has suffered.

A Terrifying Reflection of Internet Culture

The shockwave of this viral hoax has sparked a larger conversation about online harassment, cancel culture, and the unchecked power of social media.

Critics have drawn comparisons to early 2000s media shaming scandals, such as the cases of Monica Lewinsky and Britney Spears, where young women’s lives were ripped apart by public humiliation and ruthless speculation.

Social media outrage has no off switch, and Cornett has found herself at the center of a modern day digital witch hunt, one that began with zero proof and ended with her life in shambles.

Will She Ever Get Justice

For now, Cornett is focused on rebuilding her life and holding those responsible accountable.

“I don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” she said.

While internet rumors may come and go, the damage they cause is very real. Whether through legal action or public accountability, Cornett is determined to make sure those who participated answer for what they have done.

Her story serves as a stark warning about how quickly a single false accusation can destroy a person’s life and how easily the internet can turn someone into a villain overnight.