If we do have evidence of the original offer/conversation, and because we said no they upped the punishment hugely, then I would expect any impartial court to draw an inference that the case was brought, not out of a sense of justice, but one that was solely vindictive in nature.
What would be funny, in fact it would be truly hilarious, and cunning beyond belief, was if we knew our emails were being hacked, and we put out a few dodgy ones to smoke out the wolf (wolves) in sheep's clothing within the club and beyond.