“Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia”: Managing Stigma and Threats in the Wake of False Criminal Accusations

In the aftermath of the 2020 U.S. election, the boundary between activism and extremism blurred, with election officials reporting violent threats and false accusations of election fraud. From a symbolic interactionist perspective, these attacks provide a unique lens for examining the consequences of being falsely labeled a criminal. This study utilizes data from in‐depth interviews with 15 election officials to explore the nature of informal false accusations, participants' subjective interpretations of these labels, and their behavioral and emotional strategies for managing their “spoiled identity.” The findings highlight the criminalizing and dehumanizing effects of these accusations, with officials enduring verbal abuse, hate speech, and death threats. These experiences triggered emotional and psychological distress, including feelings of isolation, helplessness, and damage to their credibility and personal safety. Theoretically, this study contributes to identity negotiation research by demonstrating how distorted and violent societal reflections not only hinder adaptive identity work but also compel individuals to adopt defensive or compartmentalized strategies to preserve their sense of self. By examining the emotional and behavioral consequences of false criminal labels, this study enriches our understanding of stigma management and the resilience of public service professionals in the face of personal and professional attacks.