PAT McAfee has apologized for discussing a fake internet rumor about an Ole Miss student on his self-titled ESPN show.
The NFL icon addressed his past comments during Wednesday’s The Pat McAfee Show.
McAfee issued an on-air live TV apology during his self-titled ESPN show for discussing a fake rumor concerning a college student back in February[/caption]
Back in February, McAfee shared an internet rumor that college student Mary Kate Cornett, 18, had an affair with her boyfriend’s father during the TPMS.
McAfee didn’t mention Cornett’s name on the air.
The viral story was only publicized more and, soon after, Cornett released a statement denying the allegations and accusing McAfee and others of defamation.
The 18-year-old also revealed that she filed police reports.
McAfee mostly remained silent about the situation, until now.
On Wednesday, McAfee acknowledged that the story was “not true” and apoligized numerous times to Cornett and her family.
“As a Girl Dad, I was very thankful for the opportunity to let Mr. Cornett know that I was wildly regretful for the part that our show played in his daughter, Mary Kate’s, pain,” McAfee said in what appeared to be a prepared statement.
“I’m very thankful that [the Cornett family] gave me the opportunity to tell them how sorry I was that this all happened and that our progrum was a part of this.
“I deeply regret the pain that was caused. I hated watching what our show was a part of in her interviews.
“My hope is that this can be something that we all learn from going forward. I know we certainly have.
“Thank you to the Cornetts for allowing me to introduce myself… and let you know I am so sorry that we were part of this portion, in story, in chapter, of your family’s life.”
