Third hand gossip

[Polly345]

A friend has just contacted me to 'let me know' a friend of hers had information to pass to me.
This friend of hers was formerly a temporary member of staff at the company where I work. She told my friend my manager was not to be trusted and she wanted to warn me. At first my friend refused to give me more details but finally she told me that she told my friend that my manager wants to 'get rid of me' as I'm too slow. I have been learning some new procedures but I haven't been told there is anything wrong with my work.
I told my friend that I hardly knew this person so why would their opinion count for me.
My friend then became really angry and started calling me names. She defended her actions. I said fair enough but I don't want to let this person's words upset me.
I'm trying hard to just let this go but it's making me doubt what is actually going on.
Do I do anything about this or should I just try to rise above it?

I'd ask your manager how she thinks you're doing with picking up the learning. Don't mention the gossip.
I wouldn't raise it with your friend either.
Try to laugh about the idiocy of someone so uninvolved trying to shit stir.

Why on earth would your manager have confided in this temporary member of staff about your work in the first place? Even weirder is your 'friend' getting angry at you not being upset!

Would temporary member of staff be up for your job if you freaked out and confronted your manager? Either that or your friend isn't telling you the whole story and panicked when you didn't react as expected.