Then perhaps you shouldn’t use those people as leverage to make a point if you can’t verify the claim.
I’m not asking you to reveal anybody or “demanding” proof. If people don’t want to speak up, that’s fine. If those people don’t exist, that is also fine. You made the statement about other people backing you up, the onus is on you to manage how others perceive your words in the absence of verified claims.
And yeah, I derailed the topic slightly, and you contributed by responding, which you’re free to do. That sub-conversation has been split off, we can continue there if you’d like.
I’m with @Terror_of_the_Night on this one; never say never. I may not agree with a lot of stuff being said, but people have a way of finding opportunity.
An empire with nothing to lose is uniquely dangerous.