Hafetz Haim Halachot
Halacha 155 / 215

Hilchos Rechilus, chapter 1, section 8

What should you answer if someone asks: "What did so-and-so say about me?"

If you can give a satisfying answer without lying, do that.

If not, you may even say something completely untrue, for the sake of peace. But you may not swear a false oath for this (see Be'er Mayim Chayim).