Listening to Gossip in the News
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Question
I wanted to ask if it is permissible to listen to news that talks about the Prime Minister or people who, for example, ate in a non-kosher restaurant, or, for example, that the Minister of Defense opposes the draft course of the ultra-Orthodox factions. Perhaps because it is so publicized, it is permissible or not, or are they considered like gentiles about whom it is permissible to speak. I also wanted to ask if things they wish to publish, such as if someone makes a statement for publication, is it permissible for me to listen to what they said he said, as it would be considered as forgiveness or not?
Answer
Greetings
A well-known matter is permissible to relate if there is no intention to disgrace.
A person who publishes a statement, it is permissible to relate it, as a well-known matter, but not with the intention to disgrace.
It is permissible to speak gossip about a wicked person.
The definition of those who transgress the religion in our days depends on the dispute among the authorities whether they are considered wicked or captured children. But those among them who know the commandments and do not keep them are certainly wicked.
Source
Sefer Chafetz Chaim.