villainize

Before Sandy Hook, popular American conspiracy theories generally villainized shadowy elites or forces within the government.

It's a mature choice that opts for a more pragmatic approach to environmentalism — without villainizing people, like Simon, whose circumstances force them to work in occupations that they know harms the local environment.

That did not end up being the case, and Hall was—some believe unfairly—villainized for his remarks.

Leno was immediately villainized for not moving aside for a younger comedian with a fresher perspective.

In fact, some say that the whole concept of villainizing public school teachers for leaving the system comes with ingrained sexism that women have to settle for less.