Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports Writers Apologize to College Student Over ‘Fake’ Sex Rumor And Subsequent Harassment
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Multiple members of Barstool Sports have apologized to a student at Ole Miss after they amplified a sex rumor that upended her life.
Earlier in the year, a rumor began to spread on social media that Mary Kate Cornett — a 19-year-old freshman — slept with her boyfriend’s father. The rumor picked up so much steam that it was actually referenced on an episode of The Pat McAfee Show. Multiple Barstool personalities also talked about it, further amplifying what Cornett maintains is a completely false rumor.
As a result, Cornett has been subject to harassment both online and in person. She’s had to relocate to emergency housing on campus, and her classes are now online. She’s considering taking legal action against those responsible for spreading the rumor.
On Friday, Kevin Clancy — also known as KFC Barstool — and Jack McGuire (Jack Mac) posted public apologies for their roles in the situation.
“In February, I made a few comments surrounding the horrible rumors about Mary Kate Cornett’s alleged affair,” McGuire said. “I now understand those rumors are fake and the affair did not happen. I regret these comments and want to apologize to Mary Kate, her boyfriend, and both of their families. I will learn from this massive mistake.”
Clancy apologized with a video, saying he made a “bonehead decision” to talk about the rumor.
The day before their apologies, Barstool founder Dave Portnoy said in an interview with NBC News that he wished his company wasn’t involved and that he’d apologize to Cornett and her family.
