I have certainly felt like the 'fall guy' looking back at one specific point in time in my work history. Fall guy scenario stemming from being reprimanded for some private offsite not on the clock not quite a joke but a questioning of why a certain person was a brownnose and the closeness between the boss and them. Was a vindictive ex roommate of the other party that leaked such a discussion. But yes, an on record write up for something that never should have nor would have reached said boss.

I'm going to say, that not all workplaces are like these. Don't give up hope.

Warm thoughts your way.