Hilchos Lashon Hara, Opening – Negative commands (6)
The speaker and receiver also transgress the negative command of (Vayikra 22:32), “Do not desecrate My holy name,” since there is no desire or physical enjoyment through which the evil inclination overcame him. Therefore, this sin is considered as simple rebellion and removal of the yoke of heaven, and through this, he desecrates the name of heaven. All this is regarding a regular Jew, especially if he is an important person whose deeds are watched by all – he certainly desecrates the name through doing this. How much more so if this sin was committed in public – certainly the sin will be very great as the transgressor is called a person who desecrated the name of heaven in public.