In recent years, it has become common for speakers to include allegedly in statements that are controversial.
The implication is that, by saying allegedly, the speaker is distancing himself or herself from the controversy and even protecting himself or herself from possible prosecution. However, the effect created may be deliberate. The use of allegedly can be a signal that, although the statement may seem outrageous, it is in fact true:
Conversely, it is also possible to use allegedly as an expression of ironic skepticism:
He's a hard worker. Allegedly.
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