I think you're conflating two different aspects. Not being publicly named-and-shamed (named-and-blamed?) about it doesn't necessarily imply not being told about

I think you're conflating two different aspects. Not being publicly named-and-shamed (named-and-blamed?) about it doesn't necessarily imply not being told about it in private. I would describe it as just an logical extension of avoiding ad hominems in a multi-party communication situation.