[sseveran]

That is literally what short sellers do. They find something they don't like, short it, and then try to drive the price down through publicity.

[sokoloff]

Or, they find something that has generally hidden flaws, short it, and then shine light on those flaws.

[SantalBlush]

It's not that strange. When people buy a stock, they'll pump it with positive stories too. Or they'll downplay any malfeasance.