Of course it was hearsay. And possibly with vicious intent.
But your standard of "fact based" is too difficult to judge and enforce on a post by post basis. One person's "fact" is often viewed by another as "opinion".

Not to appeal to the lowest common denominator but tabloid journalism pervades the net and the news. Ever read the MANY posts and unattributed news reports about shrub's alleged cocaine abuse? You can't shut this stuff down by edict. Nor should you because you're restricting free speech. I'll go on a short diatribe about a favorite issue of mine...the restriction of free speech that pervades college campuses. You cannot even debate Black Reparations even if you frame the counterarguement in the politest language. Let's not have that here.

The net is wilder, woolier and far more open than other older established media. That's one thing that makes it much more exciting. If you view a posted claim as wrong, address that poster's contentions head on. Don't attempt to ban them in an Off Topic forum. And yes, if they're personal, then bluh them and send them off to the Flame Board.