College Student Takes Legal Action After Being Subject of Viral Rumor
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A college student, Mary Kate Cornett from the University of Mississippi, has found herself at the heart of a viral rumor that began circulating back in February. Despite vehement denials from both herself and her family, the unfounded speculation has taken a toll on her mental and emotional well-being. Cornett has now expressed her intention to pursue legal action against ESPN and The Pat McAfee Show for perpetuating the rumor.
In an interview with The Athletic, Cornett, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi, opened up about the distress caused by the baseless accusations. She expressed her desire for accountability, stating, “You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention, but here I am staying up until 5 in the morning, every night, throwing up, not eating because I’m so anxious about what’s going to happen for the rest of my life.”
The impact of the rumor has been profound, leading Cornett to take drastic measures such as removing her name from her dorm room, relocating to emergency housing, and transitioning to online classes. She has been subjected to harassment both online and offline, receiving derogatory comments in person and facing invasive behavior on campus. The situation escalated to the extent that her personal information, including her phone number, was leaked online, resulting in a barrage of offensive and sexist messages.
The repercussions of the rumor have not been limited to Cornett alone. Reports indicate that her mother’s home was targeted in a “swatting” incident involving the local police, while other individuals in Cornett’s life, including her boyfriend and grandfather, have reportedly faced threats. In light of these distressing developments, Cornett is preparing to take legal recourse against ESPN and Pat McAfee for their role in amplifying the false claims.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Cornett’s family remains resolute in their support. Her father, Justin, has initiated a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to assist victims of cyberattacks and doxxing, with a commitment to allocate all proceeds towards aiding those in similar situations. Describing the helplessness he felt as a parent, Justin likened the experience to watching his daughter being dragged by a speeding vehicle, unable to intervene.
Legal representatives for the Cornett family have affirmed their determination to seek justice, exploring various legal avenues to address the harm caused by the rumor. The Oxford Police Department has confirmed an ongoing investigation into the matter, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Efforts to obtain comments from relevant parties involved in the incident, including Barstool Sports and law enforcement authorities, are currently underway.
As Mary Kate Cornett navigates the aftermath of being embroiled in a fictitious narrative, her story serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of online misinformation. Her resilience in the face of adversity underscores the importance of holding individuals and media outlets accountable for their actions. The pursuit of justice in the wake of such distressing events exemplifies the courage and determination displayed by individuals like Cornett in standing up against falsehoods and defamation.