The Cornett family is reeling after their daughter, 18-year-old Mary Kate, became the target of a viral and deeply harmful rumor that has spiraled out of control.
In his first public interview since the story broke, her father, Justin Cornett, shared how the family has been suffering from the intense online backlash and harassment that has followed.
A Devastating Attack on Mary Kate’s Reputation
Mary Kate, a freshman at the University of Mississippi, has been at the center of a false and malicious claim involving a supposed sexual relationship with her boyfriend’s father, 19-year-old Evan Solis.
The rumors quickly went viral on social media, prompting her and her boyfriend to publicly deny the allegations on Instagram.
Since then, the young student has faced death threats and severe emotional distress.
FBI and Local Authorities Investigate Malicious Rumors
The situation has escalated to the point where the FBI and local law enforcement are now involved in tracking down the source of these harmful rumors.
The family is feeling the weight of the situation, with Justin Cornett, 49, expressing how this traumatic event has shattered their lives.
“This has been a tough time for the family, and we appreciate all the support,” he said.
The authorities are working tirelessly to get to the bottom of the situation, and Justin is hopeful that progress will be made soon.
Mary Kate’s Family Takes Legal Action
The Cornetts have enlisted an attorney to fight back against the false claims, with attorney Monica Uddin calling the rumors “gross” and completely unfounded.
The family has already filed a report with the Oxford Police Department.
Uddin also pointed out how these rumors gained traction because Mary Kate is “an unusually good-looking young girl,” a fact that fueled the salacious nature of the fabricated story.
The Dangers of Social Media and Online Influencers
In today’s digital age, misinformation can spread like wildfire, and Uddin addressed the dangers of social media in amplifying falsehoods.
She explained how these rumors gained traction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and how fabricated images and AI-generated videos were used to back the lies.
Uddin also criticized online influencers, specifically referencing figures like Antonio Brown and Pat McAfee, for spreading the story without seeking any confirmation or truth.
A Heartbreaking Twist with Cryptocurrency Meme Coin
In an appalling turn of events, bad actors have launched a cryptocurrency meme coin featuring Mary Kate’s likeness, profiting from the fake story.
This development has added even more stress to an already unbearable situation for the young woman.
“Because of the meme coin… you can get a direct financial incentive for pumping this fake story with fake pictures,” Uddin explained, highlighting the sickening ways in which people are profiting from the lies.
Personal Safety and Threats to Mary Kate’s Well-Being
The impact of the false rumors has extended beyond online harassment.
On top of this, she has been doxxed, with her personal phone number and address shared online.
The young woman has received vile messages, including death threats, leaving her in constant fear for her safety.
A Call for Caution and Vigilance from Parents
Justin Cornett urged parents everywhere to have important conversations with their children about the dangers of online activity and how to protect themselves from the potential harm of cyberattacks.
He stressed the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing issues of online abuse, saying, “One simple, loving, and empathetic conversation can make the difference in someone’s life.”
Mary Kate Takes a Stand Against the False Claims
In an emotional statement posted to GoFundMe, Mary Kate herself addressed the cyberattack and the toll it has taken on her life.
She shared how edited screenshots, fake videos, and manipulated images have been used to spread lies about her.
Mary Kate also criticized the influencers and public figures who have amplified the story without bothering to verify the truth, adding that her personal contact information was illegally shared, putting her safety at risk.
Support from Boyfriend Evan Solis Amid the Chaos
Mary Kate’s boyfriend, Evan Solis, also publicly condemned the false rumors.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, he expressed his unwavering support for his family and denied the allegations
. He urged others to recognize the real-life consequences of spreading unfounded rumors, stressing that such reckless behavior can cause immeasurable harm.
Media Outlets and Public Figures Respond to the Allegations
In the aftermath of the controversy, media outlets have responded to the spread of misinformation.
A spokesperson for ESPN declined to comment when asked about the situation, while Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy denied any involvement in spreading the rumor.
Portnoy stated that his team had intentionally avoided the story due to concerns over its authenticity.