I’m thinking it doesn’t matter what we think, it matters which one could accrue expensive court costs. Because “false claim” is specific and provable, “lied” is murky and general. When it comes to libel and slander lawsuits, the legal system runs on semantics and pedantry.
Why should they open themselves to that kind of legal system enabled retribution? After all, we all know whose pants are on fire.
Is he threatening us with a good time?