You must be a rapist, because I said so (as an example).  An accusation should not be cause for suspicion without anything to back it up.  Was there something here beyond an accusation?  I do not know.  edit: Even so, somebody making an accusation should not be deterred by stigma or doubt or suspicion.  It is something a person needs to stand up for, it just should not be made so difficult to stand up.  I believe that is changing.