Yikes most of us discover that lying is a problem by loosing a friend who discovers the truth. That is painful enough, but to have the whole thing played out in the public arena that has got to be tough. The emotions and reactions of others when publicly admitting this must be a very difficult way to learn that one of a person’s most important assets is their credibility. You are getting a lot of support here, and I know that you must have considered that your actions could cause others to be negatively affected.

If you are going to get your 15 minutes, you have to find a way to make the most of it. It is very possible to turn this whole thing around 180 degrees with the right combination of contrition, embarrassment, and sincerity. Your mistake clearly does not negate the other’s mistake, but now it is on you even more, to do all that you can to turn this around.