They all follow the same pattern to protect someone.

> Who is it?

PATTERN:

TARGET has known ISSUES (or ASSOCIATIONS)

TARGET is tipped off that ISSUES are coming to light

TARGET stages a False Flag (FF)

Time passes for VIEWERS to give FF traction

FF is found out to be actually false

VIEWERS now discredited as a GROUP

TARGET shielded from ISSUES by discredited GROUP

TARGET stages accidental loss of EVIDENCE

TARGET continues on as a VICTIM of CONSPIRACY