The family of Mary Kate Cornett, a student at the University of Mississippi, is fighting back after a devastating cyber attack targeted their daughter. False sexual allegations and defamatory content were spread online, prompting the Cornett family to contact Congressman Wesley Hunt and file police reports with local, campus, and federal authorities. This incident highlights the severe consequences of online harassment and the proactive steps the Kate Family is taking to seek justice and protect their daughter.
The Oxford Police Department has confirmed the filing of a police report regarding the cyber attack on Mary Kate Cornett. According to a Facebook post by her father, Justin Cornett, the attack involved false and defamatory sexual allegations disseminated across the internet, particularly on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The Cornett family, originally from Texas, is now grappling with the repercussions of this digital assault.
“She has been publicly doxed, and our family has been forced to take protective measures to ensure her safety,” Justin Cornett stated on Facebook. Doxing, the malicious act of revealing someone’s personal information online without their consent, has further endangered Mary Kate. The family’s response has been swift and decisive, involving multiple law enforcement agencies and a private investigation team. “We have filed police reports with local law enforcement in Oxford, the University of Mississippi campus police, and the FBI. I have engaged a highly capable forensic data private investigation team to find the perpetrators.”
Mary Kate Cornett, Ole Miss student, cyber attack victim, kate family takes action
The Cornett family suspects the cyber attack originated as a fraternity prank that escalated beyond control. Justin Cornett expressed his determination to hold those responsible accountable, stating, “At this stage, we suspect this is some sort of fraternity prank that has mushroomed out of control. I refuse to let my family be targeted and am fully committed to pursuing all criminal and civil actions available. To those responsible, we will find you.”
In their pursuit of justice, the Cornett family reached out to Texas Congressman Wesley Hunt’s office. Initially, Justin Cornett indicated that Congressman Hunt’s office was involved in assisting their efforts. However, Congressman Hunt’s Washington D.C. office clarified their limited role, stating they had only provided general FBI contact information after a request from a family friend. “At no point has Congressman Hunt been in contact with the Cornett family, expressed any intention to intervene in this matter, or indicated that he was ‘joining the efforts in finding those responsible,'” the statement from Hunt’s office clarified. Justin Cornett later amended his statement to reflect that Hunt’s office facilitated contact with the FBI.
The Oxford Police Department’s confirmation of the police report underscores the seriousness of the situation. While they have not released specific details, the confirmation validates the Cornett family’s proactive response to the cyber attack. This incident is a stark reminder of the growing threat of cybercrime, particularly for young people and college students. Mississippi has recently seen other cases of cybercrime, including a tragic sextortion case in 2022 that led to a Starkville teen’s suicide, highlighting the devastating real-world consequences of online attacks.
Mary Kate Cornett’s Statement on Cyber Attack
Mary Kate Cornett released a powerful statement through her father’s Facebook page, detailing the extent of the cyber attack and her determination to fight back. As a student and member of Kappa Delta Sorority at the University of Mississippi, Mary Kate found herself at the center of a malicious online campaign.
“I have been the victim of a deliberate and coordinated cyberattack spreading categorically false and defamatory information,” Mary Kate stated. She described the methods used in the attack, including “partially and wholly edited screenshots, fake AI generated videos, and manipulated photographs.” These fabricated materials were then amplified across social media platforms by fake accounts and even shared by public figures and social media influencers, some with ties to Barstool Sports, Antonio Brown, and Pat McAfee. Mary Kate emphasized that “No one affiliated with these organizations ever reached out to us for comment,” highlighting the irresponsible spread of misinformation.
Doxing further exacerbated the attack, placing Mary Kate in immediate danger. “Most alarmingly, my personal contact information has been doxed and illegally shared publicly, putting my personal safety at risk. I have received thousands of harassing calls and texts of a sick and demented nature, some of which suggest I even take my own life.” The online harassment reached alarming levels, trending number one on X in the US and even involving the unauthorized use of her name and image in a meme coin scam.
Mary Kate and the Kate family are taking decisive action, both legally and personally. “The viral nature of these wholly untrue allegations have forced me to retain legal counsel, forensic data investigators, and seek alternative education/living arrangements while we find those responsible for these utterly false accusations, which we will.” She confirmed the filing of reports with University of Mississippi campus police, local police, and the FBI, vowing to pursue “all criminal charges and civil remedies vigorously.”
Recognizing their fortunate position to access resources for legal and investigative action, the Cornett family has established a GoFundMe campaign. “While our family has been blessed with resources to pursue the truth and defend our name via the legal system, others are not so fortunate. As such, my father has started a Gofund me where 100% of the Proceeds will be used to provide seed capital establishing a foundation focused on helping innocent victims of similar defamatory cyber attacks. Zero money raised here will be used for personal purposes.” Mary Kate aims to use her experience to raise awareness and support for other victims of cybercrime.
“My heart breaks for the victims of defamatory cyber attacks and public doxing like this. The pain and heartbreak is immense,” Mary Kate expressed. She acknowledged the wide-reaching impact of the attack on her family, friends, social organizations, and school. Despite the ordeal, she conveyed resilience and hope, “Ultimately, I have confidence we will get through this and ask for any and all support while our family and others affected slowly heal. I pray for the strength and courage to use this unwanted attention as a platform to help others whose lives have been turned upside down in similar circumstances.”
GoFundMe Campaign to Support Cybercrime Victims Launched by Kate Family
Justin Cornett further emphasized the family’s commitment to helping other victims by launching a GoFundMe campaign. “While our family has the resources to defend ourselves, many other victims of similar attacks do not,” he stated. “Accordingly, we have decided to start a GoFundMe whose goal is to provide seed capital towards starting a new foundation set up to provide much needed assistance to less fortunate targets of cybercrime. I personally fully commit and guarantee 100% of anything raised will go to help those that haven’t been as blessed as our family. Somehow, someway, we will find a way to turn this unfortunate situation into a positive outcome for future victims like my daughter.” The Kate family’s initiative offers a beacon of hope and a practical avenue for supporting those affected by the growing menace of cybercrime.
