Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, expressed deep regret for the role his popular sports site played in spreading a false viral rumor that negatively impacted a college freshman’s life. In an interview with NBC News, Portnoy extended his apologies to Mary Kate Cornett, the victim of the malicious rumor, acknowledging the distress it caused her and her family.
The false claims surrounding Cornett, a 19-year-old student at the University of Mississippi, gained momentum online after ESPN host and analyst Pat McAfee discussed them on his show in February. Although McAfee did not directly mention Cornett by name, he alluded to a rumor involving a University of Mississippi student having relations with her boyfriend’s father, attributing the claims to “everybody on the internet.”
Following McAfee’s discussion, at least two individuals associated with Barstool Sports made references to the rumor on their personal social media accounts, posts that were later deleted. Despite Portnoy denying Barstool Sports’ active involvement in promoting the rumor, he acknowledged that one of his employees shared content related to it online.
Expressing deep remorse and regret, Portnoy admitted feeling sick to his stomach upon learning about the connection between his site and the damaging rumor. He emphasized the moral misstep made by Barstool Sports, recognizing the need to rectify the situation and make amends for the distress caused to Cornett and her family.
In an effort to address the aftermath of the rumor, Portnoy revealed that discussions between his legal team and Cornett’s lawyers were underway. Cornett’s legal representatives presented two potential paths forward—either pursuing legal action through a lawsuit or engaging in mediation. Portnoy expressed a preference for mediation, indicating his willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to find a resolution.
While Cornett’s family opted not to comment on the situation publicly, her legal counsel hinted at the possibility of pursuing a defamation suit against those responsible for perpetuating the false claims. Cornett herself described the overwhelming experience of cyberbullying and harassment she endured in the wake of the rumor, emphasizing the impact it had on her emotional well-being.
Despite requests for comments from McAfee and ESPN going unanswered, McAfee addressed the broader issue of accountability during a recent show, expressing a desire to navigate the situation with integrity and compassion. He reassured his audience of his commitment to finding a positive outcome amid the challenging circumstances, emphasizing the importance of not contributing to negativity in others’ lives.
As the repercussions of the false rumor continue to unfold, Portnoy and the team at Barstool Sports remain committed to addressing the situation with sincerity and accountability. By acknowledging their missteps and working towards a resolution with Cornett and her family, they aim to demonstrate a genuine commitment to rectifying the harm caused by the viral rumor.
