Is it permissible to abandon a friend who backbites frequently, despite advice, and sometimes their words are with good intentions?

Speaking about the honor of Muslims in a way they dislike is backbiting, and it is one of the major sins, according to the Almighty’s saying: (And do not backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful), and according to the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: (Do you know what backbiting is? It is your mentioning your brother in a way he dislikes). If what you say about him is true, then you have backbitten him; and if it is not true, then you have slandered him. It is obligatory not to sit with those who backbite Muslims, while advising them and denouncing their act. If they do not comply, then their company should be abandoned.