Gossip to read to a backward lad (7)
I believe the answer is:
scandal
'gossip' is the definition.
(scandal is a kind of gossip)
'read to a backward lad' is the wordplay.
'read' becomes 'scan' (synonyms).
'to a backward' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'lad' backwards is 'dal'.
'scan'+'dal'='SCANDAL'
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for scandal that I've seen before include "disgraceful behaviour" , "Disgraceful event" , "It injures reputation" , "Shocking disgrace" , "Public outrage; gossip" .)