Galley, Inc. has a contract for operating the kitchen at the Palm Crest Hotel in Miami, Florida. Mealco has approached Palm Crest's director of operations and stated, "Look, sign with us. We'll take care of whatever damages you owe Galley." Suppose Mealco added the following phrase, "Galley is going under fast. They haven't paid rent in five months and their rent is $15,000 per month." Galley is current on its rent, and its rent is $5000 per month. Mealco's statements: a. are defamatory. b. constitute the tort of negligence. c. are covered under the shopkeeper's privilege. d. none of the above