Defamation can be written (libel) or oral (slander). Assume that you are in an at-will state where you can fire an employee for any reason or no reason - as long as it isn't for a reason protected by law. The employee's name is "Bob". Lets assume that Bob was separated from employment because he was a lousy employee. He was frequently late to work, he didn't get along well with his co-employees and you caught him saying inappropriate things to another employee about a female employee of the company. Candidly, you feared that not only was Bob just a bad employee - he would expose you to liability for sexual harassment. After you fired Bob - you heard he had caused a previous employer to get sued for sexual harassment. After his termination you get a call from a friend who works for a company where Bob has applied for a job. Your friend said that Bob was "the best interview I ever had" and based upon what she learns from you - "we think we are going to hire Bob”. Analyze your potential liability for defamation if you tell your friend what you know and what you think.