1. It is forbidden to speak lashon hara to a single person, how more so to many. Besides degrading his friend in front of many, he is also causing them all to sin.

2. In some cases, it is permitted to tell over lashon hara in front of three (or more) individuals, this only refers to something that is not considered only derogatory, but can be understood either as good or bad. This is so, because one who says something in front of three, knows that there is a great chance that it will reach the ears of the person that he’s speaking about. He will therefore speak in a way that what he says, is understood in a positive light. If though, he says something that will be derived as something negative, it is forbidden even in front of three.