This is very much a problem due to social media and witch hunts. Creepiness was always a thing, but the worst that could happen back in the day is a rejection if things don't work out.

Nowadays however, it can very well escalate into worldwide public ridicule and/or a witch hunt on social media, with potentially career-ending consequences. You are only really safe if you're either extremely attractive (both to initially reduce the risk of a rejection, and to garner sympathy from would-be witch hunters), are rich enough to not worry about career consequences (or your employer isn't vulnerable to public opinion), or can spin the witch hunt for your own benefit if your entire brand is already based on being against the mainstream (think Andrew Tate for example).

No wonder it's not worth the risk for the vast majority of people.