It's the classic "When did you stop beating your wife?" example. The denial of nonexistent impropriety can itself be construed in a manner that paints a target

It's the classic "When did you stop beating your wife?" example. The denial of nonexistent impropriety can itself be construed in a manner that paints a target in a negative light. In the above example, one might conclude that perhaps you make a habit of assaulting homeless people, and today was notable because you didn't.