Anonymous complaints appeared almost overnight. His credibility was questioned in whispers that grew louder with repetition. Editors who once praised his work suddenly hesitated. Support evaporated. The article itself remained unchallenged, but Sam’s name became something people avoided attaching themselves to.
No one ever proved him wrong. There were no retractions, no corrections, no factual challenges that held up under scrutiny. Instead, he was slowly edged out, and atrocious stories about him spread far and wide. He was treated as a problem until being associated with him felt riskier than ignoring the truth he had uncovered.