College student who became subject of viral rumor says incident has 'ruined' her life
A University of Mississippi student who was the subject of an internet rumor is navigating the fallout after she says the lie “ruined” her life.
A University of Mississippi student who was the subject of an internet rumor amplified by popular ESPN host and analyst Pat McAfee says the incident “ruined” her life.
Mary Kate Cornett, 19, told NBC News on Wednesday that she and her family have faced a barrage of harassment and insults in the weeks since a false rumor about her and her boyfriend’s father went viral online.
“Having your life ruined by people who have no idea who you are is the worst feeling in the world,” Cornett said, while tearing up. “It makes you feel so alone. It’s a horrible experience.”
The rumor involving Cornett, whose experience was detailed in a profile published by The Athletic earlier this week, was referenced on “The Pat McAfee Show” by the host, a former NFL player, and his guests as they discussed an alleged “ménage à trois” at Ole Miss. Cornett and her boyfriend were not mentioned by name in the ESPN show.
In the episode, which aired on Feb. 26, McAfee says an “Ole Miss frat bro” allegedly “had a K-D (Kappa Delta) girlfriend.”
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