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If I call out BS there’s a risk of the influencer incensing their followers enough for them to go after my employer and colleagues and tell them that I’m bully.

Best not to poke the bear.

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Assuming* that scenario were to play out, it would be such a painful irony for an influencer to encourage their followers to harass an ordinary stranger under the accusation of the stranger being a "bully", of all things.

* "Assuming" because you won't risk it, not because it couldn't happen

It happens all the time and takes that exact form every time. Pretty much every internet dispute involves the drama triangle[0]. This rule gets more and more true as more people are involved in the dispute. (The viewer is invited to fill the third role)

[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karpman_drama_triangle

Yes, and I assume my reply will also be broadcast to my network. Even folks that agree are likely to see this sort of calling out as petty.

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