OT: Need some personal advice

Hi,
Changing gears a bit here. I trust you guys more than any other forum out there, so I am reaching out for some advice. (Which I have done in the past and I welcome everyone's input)

One of my good friends will be traveling overseas later this week for work. She'll be getting there a day earlier than almost everyone else, because she is showing a coworker who is her friend around who has never been to this place.

Innocent enough, but the coworker she is going with, is a known sleaze. I received some information that he is telling people that my friend "forced herself on him" pushing her way to travel together. This guy also has the reputation of making things up to get people talking (You can use your imaginations here). This does not sound like my friend at all, and the person who provided me this info is pretty trustworthy so i see no reason why they would lie.

Additionally, my friend and I were just talking about this trip this morning and how she really didn't want to go on the earlier flight and she rather just show him a few sights then let him be. The only reason she was doing this was to be nice and as I said she is his friend. I am afraid this coworker will use this opportunity to spread more "fake news" about my friend and potentially drag her name through the mud. He already spread some things about her being drunk and out of control during her last holiday party.

I am sure I am being a bit dramatic, but I do not trust this guy one bit. My question to you all is - should I approach my friend about what was said? Or am I just playing part to this high school-esque gossip?

Sorry for the long post

What can you do besides offer your opinion? I'd tell her you're concerned about this person running his mouth and that you personally wouldn't make the decision to spend time alone with him. She's an adult and will have to make her own choice. I don't think she would have planned to meet up with him early if she didn't want to. I am sure it's an added inconvenience for her to do this, so she must see it as beneficial to go meet this person. I wouldn't want a friend of mine spending time with a person like that alone, especially in an unfamiliar place, but as an adult, she will do what she pleases - tell her you don't trust him. She could always flake and let him explore on his own. She's not a tour guide...

I'm always for speaking one's mind, provided you aren't only making the situation worse (i.e., just adding a match to tinder). You can always give a personal offer to standup for her, if she truly wants you to. I wouldn't just assume she wants you to standup for her as that sounds like stepping on the 3rd rail (that is stepping on the only electrified rail on a subway track).

My perspective.....don't be the bystander if there is truth to be found about what your friend is said to have dont, and you need clarification about the other rumours the guy is throwing around. It's different than hearing a comment of like or dislike about someone.
Ask her to keep it in confidence and mention what you have been told, heard and what your concerns are. It's then in her court. It's not as though her spidey senses aren't tingling anyway..

My late very eldery client's best statement....I don't care what people say about me....I know the truth. I added ..but it's always good to know what they are spreading 🤔

q

Good news! Real life is easier than the social life of school.

Have you considered talking to him?
Tell him what you’ve heard.
Depending on what he says, you may warn her.

She could invite others to also come early to site-see. Especially invite known rumor-spreaders. It makes it clear nothing is going on if you invite others.
If you’re in a position to, you could join them. Or tell others she invited you to. Threes a crowd really does cut down on gossip.

If you really feel like you should do something, do something.
You are more likely to regret something you wish you’d done than something you did.

Thanks everyone for their responses. I spoke to her about being careful (With a little wink wink nod haha) and to enjoy her trip. However, we haven't had a chance to speak to each other aside from letting me know she arrived safely. I plan on talking to her tomorrow sometime and since I am a nice guy I will vacuum her car while she is away