The mass of people follow the example of a leader in society and imitate his behavior. They accept as evidence whatever the leader accepts.
Srimad Bhagavata Purana
श्रीमद्भागवतमहापुराणम्
मूल श्लोकः
यद्यदाचरति श्रेयानितरस्तत्तदीहते । स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते
yadyadācarati śreyānitarastattadīhate | sa yatpramāṇaṃ kurute lokastadanuvartate
SB 6.2.4