The women came forward and identified themselves and told others about the incidents right after they happened. There's no reason to believe that the reports came out as a distraction. I recall reading that one of the women decided to report the incident only after she heard his testimony because she thought it would be relevant to his character.

only who might be behind the accusations coming out now.

a nonprofit organization that is a highly reputable, apolitical producer of investigative journalism. There is no reason to suspect an ulterior motive.

https://www.propublica.org/article/multiple-women-recall-sexual-misconduct-and-retaliation-by-gordon-sondland