If you flat-out accuse the flight attendant of lying, you're going to trigger an "us versus them" situation with the flight staff. That was already triggered

If you flat-out accuse the flight attendant of lying, you're going to trigger an "us versus them" situation with the flight staff. That was already triggered by the FA's clandestine response to the traveller's openness, and the COMMAND to leave the plane. To blame this on the passenger is very comfortable and very cowardly IMO. "she lied", "that's not true".. those are the same thing when it comes to what this actually was about. He wasn't escorted off the plane for hurting the ego of staff by failing to be intimidated; it was about wether he took pictures after having being asked to stop, at least allegedly. And yes, the captain has to decide wether his staff is comfortable with passengers, and more importantly, wether that is the fault of said passengers or said staff. If it's the passenger, kick them out, if it's the staff, likewise. In that sense I totally agree, but someone who can't even make eye contact is not up to this; so it's up to the airline weither they feel comfortable having weak staff on board of expensive equipment.