Why is he an idiot? He isn’t the one who disseminated this rumor to the internet media.
He’s an idiot because he capitalized on his position of authority over the L1 idiots to get the rumor going.
It’s not a close call.
And he asked his students not to tell anyone. I think his lesson today is one the students will not soon forget. Check your sources.
He knew EXACTLY what would happen....he’s not without guile here...