You're talking about a hypothetical scenario that doesn't even match the conversation described. The recounted conversation involved multiple individuals, many

You're talking about a hypothetical scenario that doesn't even match the conversation described. The recounted conversation involved multiple individuals, many of whom have an adversarial relationship with the subject and would be inclined to sue. Misrepresentations of facts could have meaningful reputational damage. If you're the author you do not risk going to publication without verification that the gist of the conversation is accurate. Your editor literally will not let you. The publisher's reputation is on the line too.