05.02.12 The 10th Consequence of Participating in Negative Gossip

10. Exposure to Legal Risks

Indulging in negative gossip by circulating false or damaging rumours about co-workers could be interpreted as defamation or slander. And, if the gossip is in written format such as in emails or on social media for example, you could be summoned for libel thereby entangling yourself in wrangles which could attract hefty legal fees and other encumbrances that could have otherwise been avoided.

Reading the story of Miriam and Aaron, we see how the two ministers got into some form of ‘legal issues’ with God Himself, after which a judgement was made when God struck the prophetess with leprosy.

At JuaLink, Lulu could have easily faced a legal battle had Faraja’s husband, Matayo, carried out his threat of suing her for the defamatory statements alleging that Faraja and the director, Eliya, were romantically involved. This issue is elaborated further in the next chapter.