What is a good word to describe someone who genuinely tries to do good but is often perceived wrongly, or doing bad?

Question

What is a good word to describe someone who genuinely tries to do good but is often perceived wrongly, or who is doing bad? I know of a person who genuinely tries to do the right thing but ends up being attacked by others.

Answer 1

You've almost answered your own question. There is an expression "do-gooder". A do-gooder is someone who is trying to help, but other people disapprove of their actions or method.

See the Cambridge dictionary definition.