It sounds to me like you're assuming any previous reputation, recognition etc came from deeds, results, tangible effects that are by now timeless, and then outrage over information that may have no relation to these past merits unfairly ruins that legacy.

While I believe the value we [0] ascribe to people, their acts, artifacts of their work was predicated on untold assumptions about their motivations, feelings, character etc. in the first place. New unexpected negative information simply ruins that value. It's not about the action itself.

It's just like many can't ever forgive betrayal even if it seems minor in terms of actions.

[0] or enough of us