Ole Miss College Student's Family Outraged by 'Categorically False' Viral Rumors That Spread Widely Online

Mar. 15, 2025

Mary Kate Cornett.Photo:Justin Cornett

Justin Cornett

University of Mississippi college student Mary Kate Cornett and her father are speaking out amid viral rumors accusing her of inappropriate behavior in her personal life.

This week, Cornett was the center of unsubstantiated speculation that spread widely online. She denies the speculation as “categorically false.”

In a statement onFacebookThursday, Feb. 27, Cornett’s father Justin Cornett called the “defamatory cyber attack,” “categorically false, malicious,” and “organized.”

“She has been publicly doxed and our family has been forced to take protective measures to ensure her safety,” he wrote.

Justin added that he filed police reports with Oxford, Miss., the University of Mississippi campus police and the FBI. They are also working with forensic experts to “find the perpetrators.”

PEOPLE has contacted the university for comment.

A spokesperson with the Oxford Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that there is an open investigation into the incident but declined to comment further.

Mary Kate Cornett.Justin Cornett

“At this stage, we suspect this is some sort of fraternity prank that has mushroomed out of control,” Justin continued in his statement. “I refuse to let my family be targeted and am fully committed to pursuing all criminal and civil actions available. To those responsible, we will find you.”

He acknowledged his family’s privilege and means to fight the accusations against his daughter. However, they started aGoFundMefor the “less fortunate” who are targets of cyber crimes and need help defending themselves. He vowed that 100% of the proceeds will go to other alleged victims.

“Somehow, someway, we will find a way to turn this unfortunate situation into a positive outcome for future victims like my daughter,” he concluded.

A lawyer for the family tells PEOPLE the family is “doing very badly, as you can imagine” and that they’re “pursuing all available options,” including litigation.

She called out sports influencers and famous athletes with connections to Barstool Sports, former NFL player Antonio Brown and ESPN’sCollege Game Dayhost Pat McAfee for posting about the rumors.

Barstool’s Kevin “KFC” Clancy reportedly mentioned the rumors on social media,New York Postreported, citing TMZ. Brown also mentioned the viral speculation online while McAfee talked about them onThe Pat McAfee Show.

ESPN declined to comment.

Barstool founder Dave Portnoy denied the claims against the sports media company. He said in a statement toThe Post:“Barstool Sports did not mention or spread this rumor on any of our Barstool owned channels as far as I know."

He added, “Our editors instinctively made the decision to avoid this story as it seemed there was a high likelihood it could have been fabricated. If I’m wrong about that I’m happy to see where it was posted and revisit.”

He said of Clancy’s video, “We do not control our employees' personal socials. Whatever they post on their own is their own stuff.”

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Mary Kate said in her statement that she was never contacted about the rumor, but instead, her personal information has been legally shared and spread online.

“I have received thousands of harassing calls and texts of a sick and demented nature, some of which suggest I even take my own life,” Mary Kate continued.

“My heart breaks for the victims of defamatory cyber attacks and public doxing like this. The pain and heartbreak is immense,” she continued in part, adding: “Ultimately, I have confidence we will get through this and ask for any and all support while our family and others affected slowly heal. I pray for the strength and courage to use this unwanted attention as a platform to help others whose lives have been turned upside down in similar circumstances.”

Her boyfriend, Evan Solis, defended her in anInstagram post, writing, “The accusations are unequivocally false.”

“Please know that spreading outrageous accusations with no regard to veracity is as inexcusable as starting the rumor itself. What we say and believe have real consequences for others,” he added.  “I pray we can use this painful moment to learn and grow going forward.”

source: people.com