On June 13, in the wee hours of the morning, a Misguided Miscreant Malcontent Menace, set fire to a Rabbi's house. As the story unfolded, it became apparent that the perpetrator had a vendetta against the Rabbi going back several years.
The New York Daily News was quick to point out that he bore a grudge because the Rabbi had "abused" him. But careful checking of the facts determined that he was upset that the Rabbi didn't side with him in his divorce case and he threatened to publicize these false claims.
The people I know who know Rabbi Max say he goes out of his way to help many talmidim with various problems. He goes to bat for them, goes to court for them, counsels them and assists in any way possible. It is sad that this Meshugana tried to kill both the Rabbi and his reputation, but I am happy to see that some websites have stated the correct facts. The fact that he has hundreds of students over the years and there are no other MeToo's claiming abuse, is music to my ears.
The saying goes that where there is smoke, there is fire. But I say, Where there is an actual fire, there is a Liar.