scandal

noun

A publicized incident that brings about disgrace or offends the moral sensibilities of society.

A person, thing, or circumstance that causes or ought to cause disgrace or outrage.

Damage to reputation or character caused by public disclosure of immoral or grossly improper behavior; disgrace.

Talk that is damaging to one's character; malicious gossip.

To throw scandal on; defame; asperse; traduce.