I was just told by a workmate (who has always had my best interest at heart) that one of our colleagues is spreading lies about me, the one example she stated was that people are being told I make her uncomfortable because i talk about how i "enjoy" the company of teens and making me out to be a complete creep. I don't discuss inappropriate affairs of my life (if i even had any) at work as it is entirely unprofessional. I work in a VERY reputation heavy field, and I have recently hit a complete wall in any manner of progress or advancement. I dont know who these lies are making it to, if those are the reason, or if the claims that they are occurring are 100% accurate (though i trust my workmate). Nobody else is telling me what is going on so I cannot confirm any of these details and its frustrating because I dont believe there is enough evidence to go to management or HR if it is a misunderstanding. All i can go off is "I've heard" or "I'm being told"...

How should I approach this?

Edit: I spoke to a steward and he advised me to get more witnesses that she’s saying these things otherwise it’s hearsay. I’m nervous to wait as apparently she’s saying I touched her inappropriately too. I’m kinda freaking out that this is going to go nuclear if it is unaddressed soon.