I think this should rest. They say opinions are like a$$holes, everyone's got one.
Floating them becomes a rumour and rumours lead to misinformation via social media and become real through popular opinion. Never a good idea. Can listen to both sides, but unfortunately, both sides are slanted and then everything is a slant based on the author's belief.
It's always tough to know the truth unless you're at the table. Even then, which side of the table are you on?
Let's be Switzerland and let the 2 sides continue to negotiate.
The court of public opinion is a really bad idea.