AITA for running a years-long smear campaign against my sister’s career by creating fake LinkedIn profiles accusing her of plagiarism and fraud?

Sibling rivalry can be a complex beast, often simmering beneath the surface, but what happens when it boils over into outright, years-long sabotage? Today, we're diving into a story that takes family drama to an entirely new, and frankly, terrifying level of calculated destruction. Get ready for a tale of professional ruin orchestrated by someone who should have been a pillar of support.

We've all had disagreements with our family, but imagine waking up to find your entire career crumbling, not by your own missteps, but by the relentless, hidden hand of a loved one. This AITA post isn't just about a disagreement; it's about a systematic, long-term campaign designed to obliterate a sister's professional life. The sheer premeditation and duration of the actions outlined here are what truly make this a challenging ethical dilemma.

"AITA for running a years-long smear campaign against my sister's career by creating fake LinkedIn profiles accusing her of plagiarism and fraud?"

My sister, Emily, has always been the golden child. Brighter, more ambitious, and seemingly effortlessly successful. Growing up, I, Sarah, always felt like I was living in her shadow, constantly compared and found wanting. It wasn't just my imagination; my parents openly favored her academic achievements and career trajectory. This festered inside me for years, a bitter resentment that slowly poisoned our relationship.

When Emily landed a high-profile job right out of grad school, a position I had also secretly coveted but never dared to pursue, something snapped. I convinced myself that she hadn't earned it fairly, that she must have cut corners or leveraged connections I didn't have. It was a dark thought, but it took root and began to grow.

My plan involved creating fake LinkedIn profiles, personas designed to spread doubt and suspicion about her professional integrity, accusing her of plagiarism and fraud. I started with one, then two, then more, each meticulously crafted to appear legitimate. Some profiles were 'concerned former colleagues,' others 'industry watchdogs' anonymously flagging 'irregularities.' I would post comments on her shared articles, or in groups where she was active, subtly suggesting that her work wasn't original or that her project results seemed 'too good to be true.'

These accusations started small, vague, but over the years, they grew bolder. I specifically targeted her past employer, 'Tech Solutions Inc.,' and her current company, 'Innovate Dynamics,' with accusations of plagiarism in her graduate thesis and fabricating financial data on a key project she led. I even fabricated evidence, creating fake documents to support my claims, which I would anonymously send to HR departments or headhunters considering her for positions. The smear campaign was extensive and sustained, running for almost five years.

The impact on Emily was devastating. She started losing opportunities, job interviews would suddenly go cold, and she looked utterly baffled and depressed. Her career, which had started with such promise, plateaued dramatically. She couldn't understand why, despite her qualifications and hard work, she couldn't advance. She even considered changing fields altogether, feeling her professional reputation was inexplicably tainted. I watched her suffer, and a part of me, the bitter, resentful part, felt a twisted sense of victory.

The truth came out when Emily finally hired a private investigator, David Chen, after being passed over for a major promotion for the third time without clear explanation. David traced the activity to multiple IP addresses, eventually linking some to my home network, and discovered some minor slip-ups in my fake profiles that connected them. The sheer volume and consistency of the attacks also pointed to a single orchestrator.

When confronted by David and then by Emily, with undeniable evidence, I initially denied everything. But the weight of the years-long deceit, and Emily's tearful, broken face, eventually broke me. I confessed, detailing the full extent of my actions. My parents were horrified, my family is shattered, and Emily is beyond heartbroken. She's talking about legal action for defamation and damages. Now I'm left wondering if I truly am the monster they see. AITA?

The actions described in this story go far beyond simple sibling rivalry; they constitute a calculated, sustained act of sabotage with severe legal and ethical ramifications. The sheer premeditation involved in creating multiple fake profiles and fabricating evidence over a period of years demonstrates a disturbing level of intent to harm. This isn't a momentary lapse in judgment but a deliberate campaign.

The psychological toll this must have taken on Emily is immeasurable. To have your professional reputation systematically destroyed by a hidden enemy, especially a sibling, would lead to profound confusion, self-doubt, and despair. The emotional betrayal alone is immense, let alone the very real professional and financial damage incurred due to lost opportunities and a tarnished name.

The motivation, as described by Sarah, stems from deep-seated jealousy and resentment. While these feelings are understandable in the context of sibling dynamics, they can never justify such destructive behavior. There's a clear line between personal struggles and actively working to destroy another person's livelihood and mental well-being, a line that Sarah crossed decisively and repeatedly.

Ultimately, the question of 'Am I the Asshole?' is almost rhetorical here. The severity, duration, and intent of the actions outlined point to a resounding judgment. The potential legal consequences, including charges of defamation and financial damages, are a direct result of the choices made. This case serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of unchecked resentment and digital anonymity.

The Digital Betrayal: What the Internet Has to Say!

The comments section for this story is, understandably, a firestorm of condemnation. The sheer scale and malice of Sarah's actions have clearly struck a nerve with our readers. Many are highlighting the irreparable damage done to Emily's career and, perhaps even more importantly, to the foundational trust within their family. The term 'sociopathic' has appeared more than once, reflecting the calculated nature of the smear campaign.

There's a strong consensus that Sarah is unequivocally 'The Asshole,' with calls for Emily to pursue all available legal avenues. Readers are emphasizing the lasting impact of such digital sabotage, noting how difficult it is to erase a tarnished online reputation. The discussion also touches upon the psychological complexity of such deep-seated sibling jealousy, but without excusing the extreme actions taken.

This heartbreaking story serves as a potent reminder of the destructive power of unchecked resentment and the terrifying reach of digital malice. Sarah's actions, born from deep-seated jealousy, didn't just harm her sister's career; they obliterated their relationship and shattered their family. The lasting professional and personal damage to Emily is immense, highlighting the severe consequences when personal grievances escalate into calculated sabotage. This case is a stark example of how far some are willing to go, and why accountability for such actions is paramount for both justice and healing.