[antonej]

Whistleblower concerns are totally legit, but that assumes the whistleblower follows common-sense normal procedures (e.g., telling the event organizers in private, or even calling their boss). The learning point here is about the manner in which the alleged harassment was "reported" -- trumpeted to the entire world via social media with photos attached.

[salman89]

I completely agree, and we as a society need to learn how to live in a world where a single tweet by an semi-influential figure can cause such a shit storm. How liable are people for actions resulting from a tweet? If someone famous snaps a photo of you, calls you a pedofile, and throws it on Twitter, what are the consequences?

[dangrossman]

> If someone famous snaps a photo of you, calls you a pedofile, and throws it on Twitter, what are the consequences?

A published false statement that damages someone's reputation? That's libel. Whatever harm is done as a result of the malicious tweet would be repaid to you as damages in court.

[jiggy2011]

> If someone famous snaps a photo of you, calls you a pedofile, and throws it on Twitter, what are the consequences?

You're basically fucked.

[codesuela]

You go to court an sue for defamation.

[jiggy2011]

Assuming you live that long. "Hey 10M people, this guy is a pedo. I just saw him molest a child, here's a google maps link to his current location".

Even if the issue goes to court, your public image is basically done for regardless of the outcome so the damages would need to be very substantial.