All,

really weird situation here.  I am looking for input/guidance if anyone's dealt with this before.

New tenants moved in about a month ago.  They went ahead and completely renovated the inside of the house.  New paint on walls, new light fixtures, etc.  I never authorized it.  After the fact, they asked me if I liked the renovations, and I did say I did (although my wife doesn't).  It does look clean, modern, etc. 
Here is where it gets weird.

They asked me to lower their rent because of the renovations they did.  I said no.  But I did say I'd be willing to contribute some to their work (big mistake).

Now they're saying that I told them I'd pay for the work directly to their contractor.  Definitely never said that.  and now my tenants are attacking me very personally like saying I'm a liar and that I'm not contributing because I'm too poor and that I'm dishonest to my wife, etc.  It's really weird and really nasty.

The lease is very clear that no alterations can be made in the house without written consent.  Not only was their no written consent, they didn't even get verbal consent.  

I also have all the photos of the house before they moved in.  Anyone can look at it and know the house is in really good condition.  Maybe the touch ups to cover holes on the wall weren't perfect.  But by no means was it a dump.  

I actually hired an attorney and am meeting with him later this week to discuss what's happening because I actually think this is incredibly weird and, to some extend, I feel like I'm being scammed or blackmailed.  Although nothing like that has really taken place (yet), this all puts a super bad taste in my mouth.  
Wondering if anyone else has dealt with such brazen and personal attacks from tenants and how they dealt with it?

Really appreciate all the advice I know will be forthcoming!

Happy to even discuss via private message if some want to go that route.