When a statement that a Jew made is publicly labeled as disgusting, although nothing was directly said about the persons character, I believe the chiyuv to at least ask for further explanation before such an embarrassing public judgement is made, is at least called for by menchlikeit, even if not invoking the chiyuv of being Dan l’chaf zchus (which I believe IS applicable here).
Anyway that’s the way of public forums, and this one is unfortunately not an exception, to quickly and harshly pass judgement and not retract said judgement when an opposing reasonable explanation is proposed.
Something about the psychological nature of these forums. I personally don’t claim exemption from such poor behavior.