Dave Portnoy is addressing the role of Barstool Sports in amplifying baseless rumors about 19-year-old Ole Miss freshman Mary Kate Cornett. In an NBC News appearance on Thursday, the Barstool founder discussed the controversy that surrounded false claims regarding Cornett’s alleged affair with her boyfriend’s father. Despite his combative reputation, Portnoy expressed sympathy for Cornett, stating, “I would apologize. I get why the family is pissed. I’m sad and I wish we didn’t play any part in it and I’d apologize and say I wish we didn’t.”
Portnoy clarified that none of Barstool’s official platforms posted about the rumor, though several personalities created content on their personal accounts, which he criticized as “really stupid.” He remarked, “For me, I have been doing this for a long time. I thought it was clearly a fake story. I thought we were better than that.”
These comments followed Cornett’s own NBC News appearance last week, where she detailed the harassment she faced, prompting her to move into emergency housing and switch to online classes. Along with Barstool personalities, Cornett has also criticized Pat McAfee, who mentioned the rumor, though not by name, in his show. Her family has hinted at legal action, but no formal steps have been taken yet.
During his Big Night AHT event in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, McAfee appeared to address the situation without naming Cornett or offering an apology. He did express his intent to rectify things for both her and his fans, stating, “Just like the current situation that is happening, where I have a lot of people saying that I should be sued… I never, ever want to be a part of anything negative in anybody’s life, ever.” He added, “We will try to figure that out and make some sort of silver lining in a very terrible situation.” McAfee reassured, “It won’t be as impossible to be a fan of mine going forward.”
Regarding potential legal repercussions, Portnoy mentioned that his company’s lawyers are in contact with Cornett’s legal team, who have proposed mediation or a lawsuit. While Portnoy maintains Barstool didn’t act illegally, he admitted, “morally, we were wrong.”
