​University of Mississippi Student Pursues Legal Action Against Pat McAfee and ESPN Over Defamatory Allegations

Lawsuit Emerges After ESPN Host Amplifies Viral Rumor

The controversy began on February 25, when an anonymous post on the social media platform YikYak falsely claimed that Cornett had engaged in a sexual relationship with her boyfriend’s father.

This baseless rumor rapidly spread across various social media channels. The following day, during a broadcast of The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee referenced the allegation, amplifying its reach.

Although Cornett was not named directly, the context provided made her identifiable to the public.

Online Harassment and Swatting Incident Force Relocation

In response to the widespread dissemination of the false claim, Cornett faced extensive online harassment.

Her personal contact information was leaked, and she became the target of a swatting incident at her family’s residence—a dangerous hoax in which false emergency reports are made to dispatch armed police.

The relentless harassment compelled Cornett to relocate to emergency housing and transition to online classes for safety reasons.

According to reports, the psychological and emotional toll of the incident has been significant.

Legal Team Cites Defamation and Negligent Broadcasting

Cornett’s attorney, Monica Uddin, stated that the legal action will target McAfee, ESPN, and others who contributed to the spread of the defamatory content.

Uddin emphasized the broader implications of irresponsible broadcasting and the commodification of viral content.

“They elevated a lie… to millions of general sports fans just to get a few more clicks and ultimately a few more dollars,” Uddin said in a public statement.

Legal experts suggest this case could become a touchstone for defining media responsibility and platform accountability in the age of viral misinformation.

Media Silence Raises Questions About Accountability

As of publication, neither McAfee nor ESPN has issued a public response regarding the lawsuit.

Given ESPN’s affiliation with Disney and its extensive media reach, the platform’s handling of this developing situation is being closely monitored.

Observers note that the lawsuit could set a powerful precedent for how media organizations manage fact-checking, editorial oversight, and ethical responsibility when referencing viral social media content involving private citizens.

Implications for Digital Ethics and Journalism

This incident underscores the growing need for ethical journalism in the digital era.

With social media often serving as a breeding ground for false narratives, the responsibility falls heavily on public figures and media platforms to avoid amplifying misinformation—especially when it endangers individuals.

Privacy and digital ethics advocates point to the Cornett case as a cautionary tale about how quickly reputational harm can unfold—and how crucial it is for legal frameworks to evolve accordingly.