ESPN's Pat McAfee has found himself at the center of a social media storm after discussing a damaging rumor about a University of Mississippi student, which she says has devastated her life. In a recent episode of his show, McAfee talked about a shocking allegation involving a college student and her boyfriend's father, amplifying the already viral rumor.

19-year-old Mary Kate Cornett, a freshman at Ole Miss, has publicly stated that the rumor is entirely false and is a product of vicious online chatter that escalated when McAfee mentioned it on-air. According to her, the incident has led to severe harassment, leaving her feeling isolated and violated.

Addressing the matter during a live event, McAfee expressed his regret for the uproar, stating he has no desire to contribute to anyone's distress. "I never ever want to be a part of anything negative in anybody's life," he remarked. He pledged to seek a positive outcome despite the grim circumstances surrounding the rumor.

However, many on social media demanded a formal apology from McAfee, insisting he should have either clarified or reached out to Cornett prior to making the comments.

Cornett detailed how the ordeal began with an anonymous post on YikYak and quickly spiraled into chaos on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), compiling hundreds of posts that wrongly identified her as the subject of the scandal. When McAfee picked up the story, it only worsened the situation.

"It was ridiculous that an ESPN host would discuss a fabricated 'sex scandal' about a young girl," Cornett expressed, emphasizing her shock at how her life was upended by the rumor.

In light of these events, Cornett's attorney indicated there may be grounds for a defamation lawsuit against both McAfee and ESPN. Cornett, who feels victimized by this cyberbullying, has indicated she intends to pursue legal action.

"Having your life ruined by people who don't even know you is an indescribable feeling. It makes you feel utterly alone," Cornett lamented.

As the fallout continues, both McAfee and Cornett's representatives have been approached for comment regarding the ongoing situation.