[shadowgovt]

We're off in speculation territory, but I think it's unlikely the situation would have been worse for him than it is now (unless one buys into the ridiculous "The Clintons have people killed" conspiracy theory, in which case I have the basement of a pizza parlor to sell if anyone's buying. ;) ).

[SuoDuanDao]

which to me, implies that Assange bought into that theory in 2016. Which given his situation, makes me think that 'rediculous' might not be the best descriptor.

[shadowgovt]

You'd think someone such as him with so much access to information would be less susceptible to repeatedly-debunked conspiracy theories.

Then again, such theories seem to have blossomed in the information age, so perhaps not.