He Say, She Say.

Two Questions:
1) Have you ever not talked to someone because of what you've heard about them.
2) Have you ever stopped being friends with someone because of what you've heard about them.

Well if you've had then shame on you.
If you've done number one then you've potentially ruined something that can be great. And if you've done number two then you and your friend don't have good communication habits. If you hear something about your friend defend them and then ask them about it. It may not turn out to be true after all or those people may not have all of the details. After you know then you can decide whether to be friends with the person. But never stop because of "Well they said . . . "