Misrepresentation

As soon as the news of this discovery was made known, false reports, misrepresentation, and slander flew as on the wings of the wind in every direction.

Near-synonyms: mischaracterization, misportrayal

[…] for unless a matter be true enough to stand a good deal of misrepresentation, its truth is not of a very robust order, […]

I was especially astonished at one of their many misrepresentations: I mean when they told you that you must be careful not to let me deceive you – the implication being that I am a skilful speaker.