Certain-Working1864's journey

I’m currently facing a tough situation with my employer regarding employment verification. They believe they can provide context and opinions about my performance during these checks, which puts me at a disadvantage as I have to list them as my current employer. I’m worried they might disparage me when potential employers reach out for verification. It’s not a reference check, so I’m unsure how to navigate this while applying for new jobs. The advice I’ve received ranges from just applying anyway to potentially needing legal advice if they do say something untrue. I’m feeling stuck and anxious about how to move forward in my job search.