Lawsuit: Sexual harassment ‘victim’ was San Francisco business rival in disguise
&gt; Nevertheless, the threat of defamation suits can stifle women from coming forward, even if they have legitimate accusations of sexual harassment, she said.<p>The accused must usually be given the benefit of doubt in cases of anonymous allegations without any corroborating evidence. But cases like these should not be used to cast doubt on the motive&#x2F;credibility of women brave enough to risk their identity and careers to come out.