calumniation

False accusation of crime or offense, or a malicious and false representation of the words or actions of another, with a view to injure his good name.

The calumniation of her principal counselors.

noun

The expression of injurious, malicious statements about someone: aspersion, calumny, character assassination, defamation, denigration, detraction, scandal, slander, traducement, vilification. Law libel. See attack/defend, crimes, law.