It’s the fearing of scandal (public shame and disgrace) more than the fearing of scandal (stumbling block and temptation) that leads to cover-ups, not just in the Catholic Church.
Maybe it is better to air your dirty laundry in public, and then wash it clean - better than stuffing it all in the basement and closing the door.
Honesty is the best policy.
Isn’t it better to wash laundry first and then air it?