Is seeking forgiveness sufficient to atone for relaying unconfirmed news and causing a problem, without asking for forgiveness from the person to whom the news was relayed, for fear of escalating the problem?

Backbiting (Gheebah) and slander (Buhtan) are grave sins that necessitate repentance. Slander is more severe than backbiting. It is not obligatory to inform the person who was backbitten or slandered. Rather, it suffices to supplicate for them, seek forgiveness for them, and mention their good qualities in the same gatherings where they were backbitten. This is the more preponderant view.