AITA for refusing to recommend my coworker who took credit for my campaign?

You’re in a hard spot. You and Leah worked together. You created the winning campaign. Leah presented it as a “team effort,” got the praise, and the boss assumed she led it. You went quiet, kept your cool, even though you burned inside.

Now, she wants a senior role at your place. Your new boss asks you for a reference. You don’t lie—you acknowledge her strengths, but you also point out a pattern: she exaggerates her role in team projects. Leah got angry, says you “sabotaged” her future. Mutuals are split. Was it fair for you to be honest when asked?

Short answer: No, you’re not the asshole. But there are shades of grey. Let’s unpack it.

Office politics can make work more miserable than it has to be, especially if you’re dealing with a toxic colleague

One woman worked hard to land her agency one of their biggest clients, only for her coworker to swoop in and take credit for the whole thing

1. The Emotional & Ethical Context

This is deeply personal stuff. Work gets messy when credit is stolen, reputations are built on others’ labor, and you feel invisible. From your side, you have a right to your own story. If Leah really did misrepresent your contributions, it’s understandable you’d want that known—especially if you’re asked to vouch for her.

But when someone asks for a reference, there’s a balancing act:

• You want to be honest.
• You don’t want to be malicious or petty.
• You also have to consider what your words might do to her career.

In cases like this, people often ask: “Should I just decline to be a reference?” Or “Provide a neutral but polite pass?” Some advice (e.g. on Workplace StackExchange) suggests declining is better if you can’t wholeheartedly recommend someone. The Workplace Stack Exchange
But when you do give feedback, many argue it’s more ethical to state facts than burn bridges.

2. The Power & Risk of References

References and feedback like this carry weight—sometimes more than you know. A single negative or cautionary note from someone within a company (especially someone already working in that organization) can raise red flags. It may cost Leah opportunities she’d otherwise get.

So yes, your words matter. People often expect references to be glowing or neutral. A “qualified” reference (you praise strengths but also mention concerns) can look like you’re holding back—which employers often interpret as a warning sign.

Because of that power, giving a negative account opens you up to scrutiny: was your take fair, honest, unbiased? Or was it a personal grudge?

3. Legal & Professional Boundaries

You’re not just navigating ethics—there are legal and professional norms in play.

• Defamation risk: If you say something false (or that can’t be reasonably supported), Leah could claim you damaged her reputation. In many jurisdictions, giving statements (written or oral) in good faith is protected by “qualified privilege,” so long as you don’t act with malice and stick to the truth. UAH+2Wolters Kluwer+2
• The protection weakens if your statements are misleading, exaggerated, or stray into accusations you can’t back up. HCAMag+1
• Your tone matters. If your feedback is framed as “This is what I observed,” rather than “She always lies,” it’s safer. And you should stick to concrete examples (the campaign you created) rather than vague generalizations.

Legally, many places don’t require references to be positive. You can decline, stay neutral, or give critical feedback. The key is not to cross into defamation or malice. Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC+1

Professionally, HR practices often limit references so the only thing confirmed is name, title, employment dates—nothing subjective. That’s to avoid messy legal disputes. UAH+1

4. Was There a Better Approach?

Yes, I think so. Your approach—honest yet measured—is not bad. But there are alternative routes that might have softened the blow while still being fair:

• Decline to provide a strong reference: “I’m sorry, but I don’t feel I can provide the kind of reference someone in that senior role deserves.” It’s diplomatic, gives you a way out, avoids direct critique.
• Provide a “balanced but careful” reference: Emphasize her strengths first, then frame concerns gently. Eg: “Leah is creative and diligent. In collaborative projects, I observed times when she framed contributions broadly—managers may want to ask for clarity on roles.” That tone shows nuance.
• Limit scope: Only answer what you were asked. If asked, “Would you recommend her for that exact role?” you can say “I’d feel more comfortable recommending her for a role aligned with her strengths; for this senior role, I think the manager should ask questions about team leadership, because I don’t have enough visibility there.”

In effect: you gave feedback. That’s fine if it’s fair. But there are ways to insulate yourself emotionally and reputationally while doing so.

5. Why Leah’s Reaction Is Expected (and Not Fully Unreasonable)

Leah’s upset. From her side:

• She failed to get the role.
• She believes your reference—or at least your input—hurt her chances.
• She’s framing it as revenge for one “misunderstanding.” (Though you see it as something deeper.)
• She appeals to the idea of grace, professionalism, letting things go.

Her reaction is partly defensive—hurt, possibly embarrassment. Many would prefer the “let it go” route so they don’t appear petty. That’s her preference. But in reference contexts, “letting it go” doesn’t always serve fairness.

Still: she has a point in pressing you. A relationship (even work-level) is strained now. Mutual friends are judging. It’s messy territory. If you were closer, you might’ve had a conversation earlier or addressed the credit-taking in real time. But given you’ve moved on, you had fewer options.

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In the comments, readers seemed to agree that the original poster was not the jerk in the situation, but her ex-colleague certainly was

You did something that many people are scared to do: you spoke honestly when it mattered. You didn’t lie, you didn’t attack her personally, you gave an example. That’s defensible.

But fairness and softness could’ve helped you avoid backlash. If you soften next time (decline, frame neutrally, limit scope), you’ll likely preserve relationships better.

So yes: You’re not the asshole for giving a truthful assessment. But it’s not perfect either. You accepted the risk, and now you have to deal with the consequences.

If you like, I can help you craft a text back to Leah—something professional but firm—and help you manage mutuals. Want me to help with that?