Cook:

"... the entire media acted in concert in his
character assassination, making it not only
acceptable but respectable to hate him..."

-- Actually, I'd say more than that. The media demonisation of Assange -- in particular by way of the savoury sexual details that they magnified so relentlessly -- was such that it actually became impossible to express support for him in many contexts, not least those in which self-loving woke humanities wankpottery holds sway. On the occasions when I have tried to defend Assange in such circles, it was as if I'd tried to speak up for Jimmy sodding Savile.

Totally effective toxification: Assange's achievement and mistreatment vanish entirely, and all that remains is a triggering name to be used as a pawn in the sex war.

M.