>Specifically rebut the claim

True, I will say that this doesn't look good. We also don't know what Insider actually even asked though.

I can agree in a perfect world, this strategy is underhanded. Let's say though that you received an email that has totally false allegations, what would the statement even read? Thankfully I've never been in such a position but I imagine I would say something similar to "there's going to be stupid stories coming out" vs "Insider is planning to publish a smear campaign against me" - which would just bring more attention to it.

Again, this is all assuming its a false allegation.

If its true, seems the best course of action would be to remain totally silent and not become the center of attention for the past few months.

I wouldn't call it savvy. It's been entirely, nauseatingly, transparent...