Hmmm I wanted to say something about being sure if they're the ones spreading the awful information about you, but then I remember there's no smoke without a fire, don't mind me, was using one of my similar experiences to look at your situation and felt terrible when I delve into action based on rumours I heard, although I found out it wasn't entirely true or from the person I felt was spreading it, but then if he hadn't let out some details, such won't be a thing in the first place.
I understand your plight and hope you get to put it behind you, one just need to keep distance from friends, even though you're close, the limits should be try to not give room for unnecessarily palava.