Also be wary of where u get the facts.
The person/group bringing the facts, may be the actual negative reputation trying to misrepresent others.

Sometimes, they don't even realise it. Narcissistic or Psychopathic personalities have projection issues.
Also, peeps don't like to look bad. I know in my low ebbs, I have misrepresented in order to mititgate, or minimise, or project a varient of reality.

Indeed, "always be cwarewfuwl"