Gray worked for AT&T. She was accused of falsifying records to create an excuse for her absences and was fired. AT&T managers discussed this matter with a company that handled its unemployment benefits claims, as she filed for benefits. Gray contended the discussion was defamatory and sued AT&T. The court would be likely to hold that Gray had:
A) no claim; the discussion was in the ordinary course of business
B) no claim because federal legislation allows employers to discuss such work-related matters
C) no claim because all states have statutes that provide protection for employers against such suits, as does the law in most states
D) a claim because the accusation was not shown to be correct and injured her ability to obtain further employment
E) none of the other choices

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The court would likely hold that Gray had no claim because the discussion between AT&T managers and the company handling its unemployment benefits claims was in the ordinary course of business. Such communications are typically protected to allow companies to discuss employment-related issues without fear of defamation suits, provided they are done in good faith and without malice.

Gray Worked for AT&T