The Media & Witness reports
Aviation is not singled out for bad reporting - it's not unique. If you are ever involved in ANYTHING that subsequently is reported in the media, you will see that the facts will be wrong and witness reports will be way off the mark.
Unfortunately this is the way of the media.
And to pay out on witnesses describing what they saw and felt in the back of the plane is a bit condescending. Why waste good electrons about complaining about it?