Question:
Rabbi, what if while in a group of the co-workers they start to gossip, and I smile or make a comment that would appear like I agree with the gossip? Because I was nervous and spoke without thinking. Is that participating?
Answer:
Essentially you should not react positively to their lashon hora, and show them that you are condoning what they are saying. However, it will still not require that you ask the person spoken about forgiveness.
