I think the key is being able to say rather than having to say at that time.
Everyone should acquaint themselves with the basics of this area of law, and should understand that they should avoid making factual statements that are false, or being malicious.
Opinions are not defamatory.
Some may have noticed Ian (probably Cindy) over on BSDA trying to show that I have lied by claiming that I stated that there were allegations in Virginia against Tommy, but never proving that those allegations were true. If I somehow misread her post, I welcome her correction.
It is a fact that there are allegations in Virginia, and that fact is true. I have never said that the allegations in Virginia are true, and thus I am not required to prove that they are true in order to avoid being proven a liar.
If someone else has claimed someone has done such and such, you don't have to say they have done such and such. You can simply say that so and so has alleged that such and such was done.
But don't be malicious, and don't ask someone to make up some charge so that you can repeat it. If the courts of earth don't get you for it, the courts of heaven will.
(The above is not intended to be legal advice. If in doubt, ask a lawyer whom you know only tells the truth.)