- It is forbidden to believe lashon hara even when told in front of a number of people.
- It is forbidden to believe lashon hara even when told in the presence of the subject, even if the subject kept quiet which is contrary to his usual way of reacting, one cannot assume that his silence is an admission of his guilt [It is possible that he reasoned that they were not likely to believe his denial, etc], and it is forbidden to beli1eve it.
- It is forbidden to believe lashon hara even if it is told by more than one person. One can only take the necessary precautions.
4. This is so also when it has become public knowledge that a person has done something forbidden, one is not allowed to believe it but only act on it. If he repeats the story once it has become public], he should be careful that his intention is not to publicize it further.
