Hello,
Kudos to you for seeking the right path.
It is no coincidence that the Torah commands two seemingly contradictory directives in the same verse:
“Do not go about as a talebearer among your people”—meaning, do not speak negatively about others, remain silent;
And immediately after: “Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor”—meaning, do not remain silent when injustice occurs.
This is the fundamental basis for the various rulings regarding lashon hara for a necessary purpose. You must therefore examine whether there is indeed a significant public need to disclose this information. If there is, then the relevant conditions for publication must be followed, in line with the principles set by the Chafetz Chaim:
Ensure that your motivation is truly for the sake of heaven, and not out of revenge or the pursuit of fame.
Report only what you know to be true.
Do not blur the line between facts and interpretation.
Avoid exaggeration, and so on.
If these conditions are met, it is possible that you are obligated to publish the information. Beyond the halachic aspect, always remember that behind what you publish are real people. Minimize harm unless it is absolutely necessary.
If you wish to delve deeper into this matter, we recommend reading our position paper: “Publishing Negative Information About a Person”, available on the Tzohar Ethics website.
All the best,
Yuval Cherlow
Rabbi Cherlow is the Head of the Ethics Division at the Tzohar Rabbinic Organization
Published in the Shabbat Bulletin – “Hador”, 21.02.25 – Link
