LHG, people who spread these rumors cannot not identify who told them this...someone's SIL, who heard it from her best friend, who heard it from an elder, who heard it from a CO, who heard it from a GB member, all unnamed.
So many rumors were flying around the WTS membership, that the WTS had to have a study article in 1984 just about that, but without directly saying it was a problem in their organization. (WT 9/1/1984 p. 20-23) a small quote "Who told you the story? Is he the sort of person who never says something unless he is sure of his facts? Or is he always trying to pry into other people’s affairs? Is he trying to be first in coming up with juicy stories? The source of the story makes a big difference as to whether it is likely to be accurate or not. And this brings to mind a related point: Those in positions of trust or responsibility, such as elders in a congregation or mature Christian women, should be doubly sure of the facts before passing on a story, if they need to pass it on at all. People are more likely to believe what they say and repeat it." (but of course the ones doing it in the congregation had excused to keep doing the telling of rumors)