In the Smollett case, as in all accusations against a person, you can empathize with the person without blindly accepting as fact their accusations. If you do accept the accusations as fact, and it is later proven to be false, you should acknowledge your mistake and apologize. As for someone having the inability to address an issue on its own merits without deflecting to a "what about..." scenario, have some pity for them. Their life must be very unfocused and unfulfilling.
