I'm going to defend myself against a perceived negative comment from someone I haven't talked to in almost a year
Why do you want to defend yourself?
I feel like they were looking for me specifically just to try to attack me and make me feel bad.
It can be hard but it is good to defend yourself against people who say negative things about you. It will make you feel better to stand up for yourself.
Do you think I should tell them to fuck off?
No that might escalate things. It would be better to try to talk things calmly as you stand up for yourself.