I sort of try to do this if possible. When I hear an outrageous statement made about someone, I ask the person, “who told you” and they usualy say, “uh, I don’t remember, but thats what I’ve heard”
That’s how I (try to) I stop the rumor from spreading. I may not be able to retrieve it completely, but at least I stopped the spread and I made the person stop and think for a moment about repeating it without verifing the accuracy of the info.
Rumors grow wings, and if not clipped, they fly.
Squash one today!