What is the word to describe someone whom you are gossiping about

I was writing another question on Workplace Interview when i realised that I did not know a term / word to describe someone whom you are gossiping about

What is a word / term to describe someone whom you are gossiping about ???

Victim

You can be the victim of gossip as it is rarely complimentary, often malicious and entails judgement and criticism.

Barry was a victim of gossip at work. It went beyond the usual comment and speculation. His mates said Barry was on cocaine and abused his own children. The heavy workplace atmosphere was getting to him. What should he do?
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Malicious workplace gossip is self-defeating, corrosive and belittles both the speaker and the person who is the victim of the gossip. It can be vicious way in which ambitious staff may see to undermine a competitor. Or is may be idle gossips, lacking a motive, but still being corrosive and damaging.
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