I agree that things like that are very lame. It is a matter of common decency to either mind your own business OR (God forbid) handle the situation like an adult. Back stabbing and the like just waste to much energy. The people who truly support you will not be swayed by bullshit antics anyhow. Junior high shit like that will consume the perpetrator in the end, karmic justice will prevail, at least in my mind!
The world judges you on your actions rather than intentions. <-- a serious runner for the most important things I have learned.