Sun Apr 13 10:20:00 UTC 2025: ## ESPN and Pat McAfee Face Lawsuit After False Rumor Destroys Teen’s Life

**New York, NY** – An 18-year-old University of Mississippi student, Mary Kate Cornett, is pursuing legal action against sports talk show host Pat McAfee and ESPN after a false rumor spread on McAfee’s show led to harassment and a “swatting” incident at her mother’s home.

McAfee, whose ESPN show boasts 2.8 million YouTube subscribers, discussed an unsubstantiated rumor about a freshman allegedly having a relationship with her boyfriend’s father. While he did not name Cornett, the rumor quickly spread online, leading to her phone number being circulated and a barrage of hateful messages, including death threats. Police responded to her mother’s home with guns drawn as a result of a “swatting” incident, a hoax call designed to provoke a police response.

Cornett, who vehemently denies the rumor, argues that McAfee’s actions, even without naming her, caused significant emotional distress and upended her life. She and her family are now taking legal action against both McAfee and ESPN, which licenses his show.

McAfee, who has previously been criticized for amplifying misinformation and has dismissed concerns about journalistic standards, briefly addressed the controversy, stating he never wants to be involved in anyone’s negativity. However, he has not issued a full apology or explanation. ESPN has also remained largely silent on the matter.

While McAfee’s defenders point to his use of the word “allegedly,” critics argue that this does not absolve him of responsibility, especially given his large platform and the devastating consequences for Cornett. The incident highlights the broader issue of accountability for those with significant media reach and the potential harm caused by spreading unsubstantiated rumors, particularly about vulnerable individuals. The case underscores the urgent need for greater responsibility in the dissemination of information across all platforms. This incident comes after previous instances of McAfee promoting misinformation, raising further questions about his conduct and ESPN’s oversight.

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