>That during the three weeks he was away, his younger son would cry.

You seem to conflate the story as retold by the journalist, with highlighted parts and observations for flourishing, with the impact such an allegation had on the person, his friendships, public standing, work relations, etc.

>I might be underestimating the impact on one's life and mental health of this kind of things. But this story smells of trying to get a better deal or of some deeper personal issue.

I find it hard to believe that if this happened to you, you wouldn't too have screamed bloody murder.