[mcherm]

Discussing the truth or falsity of some vague accusations of misconduct against a public figure is not an appropriate topic for Hacker News.

But the way in which social media can be used for baseless character assassination (and perhaps a discussion of what could be done to change that) absolutely IS an appropriate topic.

[skybrian]

To determine the truth, someone trustworthy needs to evaluate the evidence. Like this author already did, but the trouble is, they're a stranger. We don't know whether to believe them.

So the question is who else is going to do it, and why should we believe them either? That's where journalists working for a reputable newspaper have an advantage. It's why we still need them.

It's clearly beyond what anyone of us are going to do casually after reading a post on social media.