Although I agree, I’ll throw out one case where this did happen.
Back in the day, every time Kerry ran for state offices he would parade out his usual group of guys that said how wonderful he was when in Vietnam. A couple of guys would disagree but they were effectively shouted down by the larger group. The press was satisfied and he continued to win.
But when the stakes were high on the national stage (his presidential run), it motivated the Swift Boat Vets to get involved. That plus the internets ability to overwhelm even the MSM doomed his presidency.
So, it is techincally possible that this was swept under the rug until it “really mattered”, but it is also possible and more probable that this is just another smear campaign. I mean, it is what they do.
If this mall became essentially a community meeting place, were there any other 30 year old men roaming about?