When talking about harassment keep in mind that for every voice that rises chances are many more have not come forward due to pressure or fear of consequences.
When talking about harassment keep in mind that for every voice that rises chances are many more have not come forward due to pressure or fear of consequences.
The consequences of making a public accusation like this are generally negative for the accuser as much as or more than the person accused. Often even if the accusations result in a conviction in a court of law. Often even true accusations do not result in convictions. Sometimes even accusations of actual physical rape of an unconscious woman, accompanied by video evidence.
Meanwhile the accuser's life gets turned upside down. They're demonized. Their every past relationship is scrutinized. They're accused of "asking for it" and not taking necessary precautions. Their reputation is dragged through the mud. Their career ends because they're deemed a troublemaker and nobody wants to alienate the boys club, nor work with someone who might have the audacity to call out colleagues or superiors on their misbehavior.
The person they accused is defended and excused as being drunk or, well, "boys will be boys".
So, yeah, every now and then someone makes a false accusation.
By for every true accusation there are typically many more victims who were too afraid of the consequences of speaking up.