There are (at least) two ways to look at it: 1) They have no idea how it will be perceived from the "outside looking in." 2) They do know it will look bad, bu

There are (at least) two ways to look at it: 1) They have no idea how it will be perceived from the "outside looking in." 2) They do know it will look bad, but they believe that it is worth it to protect the reputations of whomever might be revealed to have participated in the persecution.