Did You Hear?!

A Halachic question that was presented in the Beis Medrash tonight. Damaging information that EVERYBODY knows about: Is it permitted to talk about it? Maybe it goes into the category of "davar hayadua lakol" and is therefore permitted.

Well, I won't tell you what I answered but I will say that unless one can clearly answer - Permitted! and understand the conditions under which it is permitted, he should not speak. And when someone brings it up, the lobes should be firmly planted in the ears, as the gemara at the beginning of ksubos advises. Or - RUN away as from a fire. Lashon Hara is worse than a fire - it roasts the Neshama.

I would love to hear people's feedback on the halacha in such an instance. It is a very involved sugya in the gemara in Erchin [what's that?]!! If you learn it - would love to hear from you.

Love and Blessings!!!