AITA for exposing my ex to his mother about our kids?

Divorces are never easy, but some situations make them even more complicated. One Redditor (OP) faced an unexpected dilemma when her ex-husband, Thomas, not only abandoned their children but also spread false stories to his family, blaming OP for keeping them apart. When OP revealed the truth to her ex-mother-in-law, things took a dramatic turn. Was OP justified in exposing him, or should she have stayed out of it?

‘AITA for exposing my ex to his mother about our kids?’

Dr. Emily Carter, a licensed family therapist specializing in post-divorce co-parenting, weighed in on the situation. She explained that while some parents choose to step away from their children’s lives, honesty is critical in these cases. “A child should never be left wondering why a parent disappeared,” Dr. Carter said. “In OP’s case, her ex not only abandoned them but also created a false narrative to avoid accountability. This can be extremely damaging, as it sends conflicting messages to the children and the extended family.”

She also noted that maintaining relationships with supportive family members, like OP’s ex-MIL, can be beneficial for the children. “Grandparents and other relatives can provide a sense of stability and love, which is crucial in situations where a parent is absent.”

As for Thomas’s reaction, Dr. Carter pointed out that people who avoid responsibility often lash out when confronted with the consequences of their actions. “OP did not create this problem—her ex did. She simply exposed the truth, and the fallout is entirely on him.”

Take a look at the comments from fellow users:

Reddit overwhelmingly sided with OP, believing she was not in the wrong for exposing her ex. Many pointed out that Thomas had every right to give up his parental responsibilities, but he had no right to lie and paint OP as the villain. By doing so, he set himself up for the consequences.

Some users took a harsher stance, saying Thomas and his friends should be blocked and ignored entirely. A few even suggested legal action if the harassment continues. Ultimately, most people agreed: OP was simply protecting her children from lies and ensuring they had access to family members who actually cared.

OP’s decision to reveal the truth was not about revenge—it was about honesty. Thomas made his choice, but he also chose to lie to his family, and that lie backfired. The community largely agreed that OP had no obligation to protect his reputation, especially when his deception could have affected her children. What do you think? Was OP right to expose her ex, or should she have handled the situation differently?