protestation

Despite their protestations, it's an act they apparently enjoy quite a bit.

As things stand, the government can do what it wants and choose to ignore the protestations and suggestions coming from the opposition parties.

Despite Mr Mata’s protestations that he had never been in or worked for a gang, the troops detained him for “illicit association” – a catch-all term used under the State of Exception to round people up.

“I don’t deserve to be here at all” is a protestation you would expect to hear from someone in prison.

For all his holy protestations, Tartuffe is clearly a crook.