College student who became subject of viral rumor says incident has ‘ruined’ her life
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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. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. 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.
AI Summary
Main Idea: Mary Kate Cornett says a false rumor that spread online and was discussed on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” has badly harmed her life, and she is considering legal action.
Key Points:
- Cornett says the rumor led to harassment, threats, panic, and major disruption to her daily life and schoolwork.
- She says the false story spread quickly on social media and was amplified by McAfee’s show and later by Barstool Sports-linked posts.
- Cornett and her attorney say the case could involve defamation and cyberbullying, and they may sue McAfee, ESPN, and others.
- Barstool Sports said it did not spread the rumor on its owned channels, and Dave Portnoy said the company avoided the story because it may have been fake.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
The case shows how viral rumors and big media accounts can harm ordinary people with harassment, doxxing, and swatting, raising risks for students, families, and workers online.
Positive Impact
The story may push users and platforms to be more careful before sharing unverified claims, which could reduce harm from false posts.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Primary:Mary Kate Cornettperson
- Major:Barstool Sportsmedia outlet
Candidate Entities9 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- Mary Kate CornettpersonPrimaryEvaluated
Central ব্যক্তি in the story; the article is primarily about her response to the false rumor and its.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Barstool Sportsmedia outletMajorEvaluated
Another major media brand referenced as helping circulate the rumor online.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Dave PortnoypersonMajorAI selected
Named owner of Barstool Sports who publicly denied the company’s involvement, making him a major figure in the.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Monica UddinpersonMajorAI selected
Cornett’s attorney, quoted on potential defamation and cyberbullying claims and central to the legal response.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Pat McAfeepersonMajorAI selected
Named media figure whose show amplified and discussed the rumor, making him a major subject of the article.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - University of Mississippieducational / research institutionMajorAI selected
The school where Cornett is a student and the setting for the viral rumor’s impact.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Jack MacpersonMinorCandidate
Named Barstool-linked personality whose post promoted a meme coin using Cornett’s name.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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