did anything illegal happen?

i'm a dentist and got a letter from a patient who is seeking damages. He was in for a cleaning, and the hygenist, who, ironically, doesn't normally work with me, went home and asked her aunt's boyfriend who works with the patient, if he is homosexual. The boyfriend then asks the patient at his work if he is. We then received a letter from his attorney (one of his close friends) stating that he was upset because he is not gay, and he almost lost his job, which he did not, and no real proof of it even being in jeopardy. He also says he overheard us discussing it in the office, which I do not recall. I don't care who he sleeps with!

My thought is that the job loss issue is the problem of the employer. Also, if he is saying that being homosexual is slandering someone, then I don't agree with that either. He wants me to pay ten grand for something an employee said to a family friend. I say he is sue-happy looking for cash. Were any laws violated? The hygenist did not disclose what care he had received, and even his lawyer said it was a stretch. Does he have a case? If I don't settle, and he sues me, can I counter-sue for attorney fees?

Thanks.

That is not going to be a winnable case.

You can review details with counsel, but most will tell you sit tight--this suit will not go anywhere, if it is even ever filed.