Mary Kate Cornett, a college freshman at the University of Mississippi, says a false claim accusing her of inappropriate behavior rapidly circulated online in February.

Mary Kate Cornett, a 19-year-old University of Mississippi student, said she has “no idea” how a false internet rumor, which alleged she slept with her boyfriend’s father and

Ole Miss student Mary Kate Cornett breaks her silence after a false rumour about her went viral, prompting legal threats against Pat McAfee and ESPN and a wider conversation on digital accountability.

What is the Mary Kate Cornett rumor? The University of Mississippi freshman's world was turned upside down when a salacious lie spread like wildfire.

University of Mississippi college student Mary Kate Cornett, 18, is continuing to detail her experience — and says she's threatening to take legal action — after a viral rumor falsely accused her of inappropriate behavior earlier this year.

The post went viral on X, which attracted the attention of certain high-profile sports commentators, who then amplified the story to their massive audiences. Cornett, who was named in the original rumor,

This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Don’t get fooled today, please. Five weeks ago, the name Mary Kate Cornett started trending on multiple social media platforms.

An Ole Miss freshman claims that the sports network has put her in danger by perpetuating lies about her personal life on television.