Ellen is groundskeeper at the Fabulous Plants Nursery. When a customer asked what she thought of Lucille, the new manager the business just hired, Ellen replied that shes personally did not agree with Lucille's taste in selecting plants for customers. Has Ellen committed defamation? Why?

Question 1 options:

Yes, Ellen has committed defamation because her negative words were spoken directly to a customer and could hurt Lucille's reputation as a manager.

No, Ellen has not committed defamation because her statement was not published in a newspaper.

Yes, Ellen has committed defamation because her negative statement to the customer could damage the business's reputation in the landscaping community.

No, Ellen has not committed defamation because she stated her own personal opinion.