School Gate fighting by parents

mrshappy

Two parents were fighting over their children at school gate a few months ago and it got nasty and apparently is going to court. At the time rumour mill went into over drive about who is was and a particular persons name was mentioned (who is wasn't) she wasn't too worried at the time as she knew anyone that knew her knew it couldn't have been her. However it all kicked off today when I heard the rumour again and relayed it back to her and think I have figured out who was spreading it (but no proof). Is there anything she can legally do to stop this? Or will all the names come out in the wash anyway if it does indeed go to court? Would really appreciate any advice I can pass onto her. Could a solicitor help?

Ken.

This is just my personal opinion but where gossip is concerned the best thing you can do is ignore it. The more you deny it the guiltier you can look( oh look how angry s/he is getting it must be true). It's hard to turn the other cheek but it might be for the best. If anyone says anything just politely and bluntly say "The parties involved are going to court"

Kristopherus

OP,Why are you posting in 2 threads?

brian_t

Kristopherus wrote: »

OP,Why are you posting in 2 threads?

The other thread was closed as it wasn't in an appropiate forum.

seamus

Defamation is possible, but then it ends up as something of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Now not only was she in a fight at the school gates she's now trying to sue someone else into silence about it.

As a friend the best thing you can do is shoot the rumour down whenever you hear it, laugh at the gossiper if necessary, and don't bother letting your friend know when someone has said it.

NUTLEY BOY

mrshappy wrote: »

Two parents were fighting over their children at school gate a few months ago and it got nasty and apparently is going to court. At the time rumour mill went into over drive about who is was and a particular persons name was mentioned (who is wasn't) she wasn't too worried at the time as she knew anyone that knew her knew it couldn't have been her. However it all kicked off today when I heard the rumour again and relayed it back to her and think I have figured out who was spreading it (but no proof). Is there anything she can legally do to stop this? Or will all the names come out in the wash anyway if it does indeed go to court? Would really appreciate any advice I can pass onto her. Could a solicitor help?

Properly, this is a matter for a solicitor.

seagull

From her perspective, she should hope it does go to court, and try to encourage one of the local papers to cover it. Then she can stick up the article all around the school.

mrshappy

mrshappy wrote: »

a particular persons name was mentioned (who is wasn't) she wasn't too worried at the time as she knew anyone that knew her knew it couldn't have been her.

However it all kicked off today when I heard the rumour again and relayed it back to her and think I have figured out who was spreading it (but no proof). Is there anything she can legally do to stop this?

If I've understood correctly, your friend wasn't involved in the row at the school gates but was mistakenly identified as being involved. She wasn't bothered about it at the time but now her name has been attached (mistakenly) to the row again and you want to know how she can stop the person from spreading this false rumour?

Why doesn't she simply tell the person who's spreading the incorrect information to shut the hell up before considering legal options? Why didn't YOU say something when you heard the false rumour being started up again??

NUTLEY BOY

Achtung, minefield dead ahead............