Ouch, that would piss me off no end not being able to defend my good name! Is there any way you can find out through your friend who they heard it from? If they can't speak to you directly then there's really not much you can do about it, you'll have to rise above it.
I may being silly but what does 'swinging door' mean? Is that the pub or some snipe I'm not clueing onto?
Big hugs
we know you're lovely!