In order to be actionable, a defamatory statement must be published, which can include making statements about the employee in question in public.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a statement to be considered defamatory, it must be made to someone other than the person it's about; this is often referred to as "publication" of the statement. Making statements in public or to another individual can satisfy this requirement.

In Order to Be Actionable, a Defamatory Statement Must Be