evicting me for company i keep

An action for defamation requires: (1) a false and defamatory statement; (2) an unprivileged publication to a third person; (3) fault, amounting to at least negligence; and (4) actual or presumed damages. The first element is often the hardest to prove, which is that the statement was a false statement of fact. Truth is a defense to defamation. You would have to prove (a) who said (b) what false statement (C) to whom and (d) how that publication has damaged you. Gossip has many messengers but no mother. Therefore you should determine how you have been damaged by this gossip before proceeding forward.