I know I technically should have expected this since I DID label all my previous jobs as “OK to contact.”—I know that choosing “No” is a red flag so I wanted to avoid that. But since the management at my last job didn’t like me I’m worried they will badmouth to this potential employer.

I wanted to put down a coworker as a reference but this job specifically asked for a supervisor. Is there anything I can do to salve this situation or should I cut my losses?

To add more context: I also was allowed to put down personal references and I put a boss from a previous job that I’m on good terms with and a classmate. Would that help outweigh any potential badmouthing?