Family of Ole Miss College Student Denounce False Viral Rumours
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The family of a University of Mississippi college student, Mary Kate Cornett, has spoken out against widespread online rumours accusing her of inappropriate behaviour. The rumours, which circulated widely online, were categorically denied by Cornett, who described them as false. In a Facebook statement, her father, Justin Cornett, condemned the rumours as a “defamatory cyber attack” that was malicious and organised. He went on to explain that the family had taken steps to protect Mary Kate’s safety and had involved law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, in addressing the situation.
Following the incident, an investigation was launched by the Oxford Police Department, confirming that they are looking into the matter. Justin Cornett expressed his belief that the rumours stemmed from a fraternity prank that spiralled out of control. He asserted his family’s commitment to pursuing all available legal actions against those responsible for spreading the false information. In response to the ordeal, the Cornett family initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support other victims of cyber crimes who may not have the same means to defend themselves against such attacks.
Mary Kate Cornett, in her own statement included within her father’s Facebook post, described the ordeal as a deliberate and coordinated cyberattack. She highlighted the use of edited screenshots, fabricated videos, and manipulated photographs as tools used to perpetuate the false claims made against her. Mary Kate also called out sports influencers and celebrities, including connections to Barstool Sports, for amplifying the rumours through social media. The situation gained further attention when figures like Antonio Brown and Pat McAfee engaged with the speculation.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy denied any involvement in spreading the rumours, stating that the company had not promoted the false information. Mary Kate shared that she had been bombarded with harassing messages and experienced significant distress as a result of the malicious rumours. Despite the challenges faced, the family expressed their determination to explore legal options to address the situation and seek justice for the harm caused. They called for support and solidarity as they navigate the aftermath of the cyber attack.
As the story gained traction, Mary Kate found herself thrust into the public eye, with her name and likeness being used without consent in various online platforms. She revealed that the experience had been deeply distressing, but she remained confident in her ability to overcome the adversity. The Cornett family hoped that by sharing their experience, they could raise awareness about the serious implications of cyber attacks and provide a platform for others who have faced similar challenges to seek support and healing.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online misinformation and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and their families. The resilience shown by Mary Kate and her loved ones in the face of such adversity is commendable, highlighting the importance of standing up against falsehoods and seeking justice in the digital age. As they continue to navigate this challenging chapter, the Cornett family remains determined to emerge stronger and advocate for greater safeguards against cyber attacks targeting innocent individuals.