Thu Jul 24 17:00:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Pat McAfee Issues Public Apology to Ole Miss Student for Amplifying False Rumor**

**NEW YORK, NY** – ESPN host Pat McAfee has publicly apologized to Mary Kate Cornett, a University of Mississippi student, for repeating a false and damaging rumor about her on his show earlier this year. The rumor, which originated on the anonymous social media platform YikYak, falsely alleged that Cornett had a relationship with her boyfriend’s father.

McAfee addressed the situation on Wednesday’s broadcast of “The Pat McAfee Show,” stating that he now knows the rumor was untrue and deeply regrets the pain it caused Cornett. He revealed he had recently met with Cornett and her family to apologize privately before addressing the issue publicly.

“I got a chance to sincerely apologize to them and acknowledge that what I said about Mary Kate was based solely on what others were saying on the internet,” McAfee said. “I deeply regret the pain that was caused.”

Cornett had previously spoken to NBC News about the severe harassment she and her family endured after the rumor went viral, including swatting incidents and a barrage of hateful messages and calls. “Having your life ruined by people who have no idea who you are is the worst feeling in the world,” Cornett told NBC News in April.

McAfee said he was deeply affected by Cornett’s account of the situation and hoped his public apology would be a learning experience for everyone. “Our goal with this show is to make the world a happier place, a better place… I know we don’t always get it right,” he stated.

Cornett’s father, Justin, told NBC News that the family appreciated McAfee’s sincere apology. “It was refreshing to stand by Mary Kate’s side and see a man that made a mistake look her in the eyes and apologize with sincerity,” he said. “Now the healing can begin.”

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