This is important. I've seen a few comments that disregard "optics", but I disagree. "Optics" is how a lot of people will form the first impression of a phenomenon, whether we like it or not.
I don't think it's strange at all. Posted a note on that a few minutes ago. In a nutshell, it aligns with the ongoing information warfare well, doesn't seem surprising.
As a darker note, think of all the ways the current elite disregards consent and how that relates to the above.
Of course, there is a fine balance, freedom of thought shouldn't be constraint by "optics", but effective communication has to take into account a lot of factors.