There are two types of rumors, one to start shit, other is sharing wrongful information due to lack of actual knowledge, in my opinion this was the ladder.
The guys apologized after they found out the real facts, so unless they keep spreading wrongful information the issue is over. Party at fault admitted fault and apologized. In civilized world that’s enough.
No reason to escalate this anymore.
Edit: To the offending party, I put the truce in, but if any of you go on and unscab the found, then you’re fair game and I’m going to let the wolves back out.