College Student Reflects on Impact of Viral Online Rumor That ‘Ruined’ Her Life
In the digital age, where misinformation spreads at an unprecedented pace, one University of Mississippi student found herself at the center of an internet firestorm that turned her life upside down. Mary Kate Cornett, an 18-year-old freshman, is now speaking out about the personal and emotional toll she has endured after becoming the subject of a viral, baseless online rumor that she says “ruined” her life.
The ordeal began in February 2025, when an anonymous post on YikYak, a social media app known for its anonymity, falsely accused Cornett of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with her boyfriend’s father. This unverified claim quickly took on a life of its own, spreading across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. Strangers amplified the rumor, sharing altered screenshots, fabricated narratives, and even personal photos of Cornett.
What might have remained an obscure internet rumor, however, gained widespread attention when ESPN host and analyst Pat McAfee discussed it on his popular show, “The Pat McAfee Show,” on February 26. Though McAfee did not mention Cornett by name, his acknowledgment of the rumor led to an explosion of online speculation and harassment, ultimately subjecting Cornett to an unrelenting wave of cyberbullying and threats.
The Fallout: A Life Disrupted
Cornett’s life changed dramatically overnight. She received an onslaught of vile messages, threats of violence, and harassment both online and in person. The attacks became so severe that she was forced to remove her name from her dormitory door for safety reasons. Eventually, she had to relocate to emergency housing and switch to online classes, as she no longer felt safe attending in-person lectures at the University of Mississippi.
The effects of the rumor extended beyond just her academic and social life. Cornett’s family home was targeted in a “swatting” incident, where a false police report led to armed officers arriving at their residence. This terrifying event underscored the real-world dangers of reckless online speculation and misinformation.
“I had my entire life ripped apart because people thought it was funny to spread a lie,” Cornett said in a recent interview. “You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention.”
The emotional toll has been immense, and Cornett has described the ordeal as nothing short of traumatic. “Every time I open my phone, there’s a new hateful message, a new comment trying to humiliate me,” she said. “It’s like I can’t escape it, no matter what I do.”
The Role of Social Media and Irresponsible Amplification
Cornett’s case is a glaring example of how unchecked online rumors, fueled by viral amplification, can have devastating real-world consequences. The rapid spread of misinformation, especially when endorsed or discussed by influential figures, can turn an individual’s life into a public spectacle overnight.
While McAfee later issued an apology, Cornett believes that the damage was already done. “An apology doesn’t erase what happened to me,” she said. “People need to understand that words—especially when broadcasted to millions—have consequences.”
Taking a Stand and Seeking Justice
Cornett has since retained legal counsel and is exploring her options to hold those responsible accountable, including McAfee, ESPN, and others who played a role in spreading the false rumor.
Legal experts say that while defamation lawsuits are notoriously difficult to win, Cornett may have a case given the extent of the damage and the direct role media amplification played in exacerbating the situation. “This isn’t just an issue of online bullying—this is about real-world harm that was entirely preventable,” said one attorney familiar with cases of online defamation.
As Cornett continues to rebuild her life, she hopes her experience serves as a warning about the dangers of misinformation and the need for responsible journalism, especially in an era where rumors spread faster than the truth. “People need to think twice before they hit share, before they comment, before they engage in something that could destroy someone’s life,” she said. “Because what happened to me could happen to anyone.”
Her story is a sobering reminder that in the age of viral content, accountability must extend to both individuals and the media figures who amplify unverified claims. While Cornett fights to reclaim her narrative, she hopes that her experience will prompt necessary conversations about the ethical responsibility of those who wield influence in the digital landscape.
