DEFAMATORY COMMENTS

[steve]

A previous employer who I did not get along with discussed a confidential situation that happened at that company to a current co-worker that I work with at my new employer. Our companies do business together and these comments he made where at a business setting not personal. My old boss did not know my co-worker he just blurted out the situation.

I know my old boss legally cannot discuss my old employment.

What can I do legally?

 

[Ex HR Guy]

Why can't he share it? Did you have a non-disclosure agrement with the old employer?

If not, the old supervisor can say anything he feel like as long as it is true and not misleading. Although many employers have internal rules designed to prevent the release of any information other than name and dates of employment, this is a policy and the violation doesn't mean anything.

You can tell your old boss what his current employee did, and the old boss may peanlize the new employee. But how that helps you is beyond me (except sometimes revenge seems sweet). But if the other guy told the truth, as embarrassing as it may seem, you can't sue for libel or slander.