Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Georgia

In a lawsuit or trial, generally yes. In a private business, no.

During my 20+year tenure teaching HS and college students (70s to 90s) before I became a lawyer in 1993, there were always disgruntled staff spreading false rumors just to gain favor with administrators Unfortunately, unless it affects your job or leads to your being terminated, a UE Appeal or lawsuit will be the only way to flush out the rumor-monger and prove your case

Say nothing other than that rumor is false because trying to prove a negative at this point might be very difficult if not impossible

Good luck

Ralph (770.985.6773 -- answered 24 x 7)