Gen V: Why was Marie justified in using her powers against Rufus?

Marie, a character in the Gen V episode "Welcome to the Monster Club," was justified in using her powers against Rufus. Initially, Rufus was portrayed as a despicable character, using his powers for sexual predation. He even abducted Marie when all she did was ask for help in finding Emma. Given this context, it is understandable why Marie would use her powers to defend herself.However, as the episode unfolds, it is revealed that Rufus and his powers were merely a misdirect. The campus community in Gen V is filled with individuals possessing various superpowers, and it would be easy to attribute trouble to someone like Rufus. Yet, as the group confronts Sam and experiences strange events, it becomes evident that Cate, not Rufus, has been with them all along and has the power to manipulate their memories.While it is not confirmed, it appears that Cate has been manipulated by Indira Shetty, who aims to control young supes and perfect a virus to ensure their obedience. Shetty uses motherly tactics to keep these young individuals off balance while maintaining control over their powers. In this late-stage capitalist society, Shetty is merely a middle manager following the demands of a corporate board and shareholders.During a party that no one can remember, Marie and Jordan end up sleeping together, creating a sense of excitement and nervousness. However, the memory wipes were not the only consequence of the mysterious events at the party. Marie discovers subcutaneous tracking devices implanted in them, which she can sense using her powers. Unfortunately, when she shares this discovery with Cate, she is wiped again, impeding her ability to express her feelings for Jordan.Despite the turmoil, Emma's visit to Sam helps unravel the truth about Cate. Sam experiences mental trauma and hallucinations, with Emma appearing as a muppet puppet. These hallucinations lead to a full-blown psychotic episode where Sam kills the Vought security team. In the midst of their connection, Emma opens up to Sam about Cate visiting his cell and repeatedly wiping Luke's memory on Shetty's orders.When the group confronts Rufus, Emma informs Marie about Cate's actions, leading to a confrontation where Cate tearfully admits her role and allows Andre to remember everything she made him forget. However, Andre, shattered and angry at what Cate has done, perceives her as a monster.In the Gen V episode, it seems that Andre, Marie, Jordan, Emma, and Sam are pitted against a larger conspiracy involving Shetty and the control of supes. As Marie's encounter with Rufus is revealed to be a misdirect, her initial action of using her powers against him was justified given the circumstances and the threat he posed.