Richard Branson had/has critics that accused him of all sorts of things. His advice, which is similar to Napoleon Hill's, would be to demonstrate actions that are discordant to the accusations.
(The bigger of a celeb / more successful you become, the bigger of a target you wear on your back for people to try to tear you down.)
Ah yes exactly. The "prove them wrong" part, it's important not to attack the accuser but demonstrate that their claims don't hold up. Also if there is something to claims, admit it quickly (kills the story) and show enacting preventative measures.
(The bigger of a celeb / more successful you become, the bigger of a target you wear on your back for people to try to tear you down.)