I have to disagree, Tank.
Lois said to Clark in a private conversation (which happened to take place in a somewhat public place) that the baby was Superman's. She offered no proof. She could have been wrong or lying. Also, since it was a private conversation, it would, in official terms, be hearsay.
So, it's a rumor based on a single overheard conversation with no solid proof to back it up. Perry, being EIC of a world-class newspaper, would certainly think in those terms.
I think, under the circumstances, "unsubstantiated rumor" is a fitting term.
Explaining it away and dealing with the public backlash are, of course, seperate issues which will have to be dealt with. Difficult, but not impossible. It wouldn't be the first time Superman has recovered his good name from a PR disaster.
Paul
