Pat McAfee made a public apology to Mary Kate Cornett, an Ole Miss student, for talking about and spreading a rumor about her.

“I can now happily share with you that I recently got to meet Mary Kate and her family,” McAfee said. “And I got a chance to sincerely apologize to them and acknowledge that what I said about Mary Kate was based solely on what others were saying on the internet.”

The ESPN personality addressed the matter Wednesday, roughly five months after the false rumor she allegedly slept with her boyfriend’s father.

“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,” he added.

Cornett’s father, Justin, told NBC News on Wednesday that the matter was “settled to each party’s satisfaction.”

“It was refreshing to stand by Mary Kate’s side and see a man that made a mistake look her in the eyes and apologize with sincerity,” he said. “Now the healing can begin.”

The rumor began earlier this year, and McAfee started talking about it in February.

“And I’m very thankful that they gave me the opportunity to tell them how sorry I was that this all happened and that our show was a part of this,” McAfee said. “I deeply regret the pain that was caused.”

Cornett, 19, called McAfee out for continuing to spread the rumor during an April interview with NBC Nightly News.

“I thought it was absolutely ridiculous that an ESPN sports broadcaster would be talking about a 19-year-old girl’s ‘sex scandal’ that was completely false,” Cornett told NBC’s Tom Llamas on April 2.

He added that he “hated” seeing what his show was a part of in interviews Cornett gave in the aftermath of the widely circulated false story.

“I think you all know from this show that I never want to be a source of negativity or contribute to another humans suffering,” McAfee said.

Cornett told NBC News in April that she and her family faced harassment. Her family’s home was “swatted,” which is when a false report is made to police to get a law enforcement response to a home. She added her personal number was shared online, resulting in threatening calls and texts.

“Having your life ruined by people who have no idea who you are is the worst feeling in the world,” Cornett said at the time. “It makes you feel so alone. It’s a horrible experience.”

McAfee said he learned from the ordeal.

“Our goal with this show is to make the world a happier place, a better place. … I know we don’t always get it right,” McAfee said. “But we’ll never stop trying.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.