Crossword Genius

A second individual torn apart by current slur (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aspersion

'slur' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'a second individual torn apart by current' is the wordplay.
'a second' becomes 'as' (I've seen this in other clues).
'individual' becomes 'person' (synonyms).
'torn apart by' is an insertion indicator (some letters tear an opening in others).
'current' becomes 'i' (symbol for electric current).
'person' going around 'i' is 'persion'.
'as'+'persion'='ASPERSION'

(Other definitions for aspersion that I've seen before include "Attack on the character" , "Slander" , "No praises (anag) - disparaging remark" , "Negative comment" , "Cast this slur" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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