Skeletons in ones cupboard is what they call it Lady Mary.
Always bedlam when one falls out in the full view of all and the others remain to continue poisoning one's thoughts and manners.
I like your take on denial and it is denial that have placed those skeletons inside the cupboard.

The thing is to have a look at one's mental cupboard and to ask if it is open and empty, or kept closed and locked, as it will always influence how one handles criticisms and attacks.
An open mind will always embrace change in my view!