AITA for getting mad at friend who keeps joking that her baby is mine?

In a cozy little shop where laughter once filled the air, a playful “work spouse” dynamic took a wild turn. A young man’s friend, Addy, turned her baby daddy jokes into a workplace rumor mill, leaving him fuming when the jest hit too close to home. What started as harmless banter now threatens their bond—and his reputation.

This Reddit tale blooms with awkward humor and serious stakes. Was his outburst a fair defense, or did he overreact to a prank gone wrong? Let’s dive into this messy mix-up.

‘AITA for getting mad at friend who keeps joking that her baby is mine?’

I (23M) work at this small shop and I’ve known my friend Addy for almost 2 years. She likes to joke that we’re work spouses because we always work the same shifts and get along. Addy doesn’t say it all the time so it didn’t bother me before. She got pregnant 5 months ago and I guess she’s planning on doing it on her own.

But a couple months ago she started making jokes that I’m her baby’s daddy. First time she made a joke we were in the break room. Her feet were really tired and she wanted the good chair we have in there with the comfy cushion. I was already sitting there and she said something like “B**ch move your baby mama needs that seat.”

Btw “b**ch” isn’t a big deal since we talk to eachother like that sometimes. I looked at her because I was confused. I took it as she was joking so I told her to shut up because that baby isn’t mine. Addy made a few more jokes like that or asking me to make myself useful to help her with stuff at work because she’s carrying my kid.

She’s only made a few of these around me and I’ve told her to stop bullshitting. One time I was closing up with my coworker and she goes “hey so is it true then?” Then she says she thought we were just messing around but that Addy was saying we hooked up once and I’m definitely likely the daddy.

Everyone was starting to wonder now because she’s said it a lot of times when I’m not around. And that’s just not even close to being true. Seriously, wtf. I have a girlfriend that I’ve been with 5 years. Next time I saw Addy was before our shift was starting and I asked her wtf she’s been telling everyone.

Like why would she even make s**t up about us hooking up because she’s the last person I’d ever sleep with. Addy got super upset about it because to her she was just joking around and I don’t have to snap at her. But it just made me so mad that she was telling this behind my back.

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Our other coworkers around us saw so she got all emotional and went to the bathroom. We’re not talking to eachother but she has said I was such a d**k for getting mad at her jokes when she wasn’t being serious and embarrassing her in front of everyone.. Now I don’t know if I was being an a**hole or not.

Workplace friendships can be a lifeline, but when jokes cross into personal territory, the fallout can sting. Addy’s escalation from playful jabs to spreading a false hookup story wasn’t just a misstep—it risked damaging the man’s credibility, especially with a five-year girlfriend in the picture. His frustration was understandable, even if his public snap-up added fuel to the fire.

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Dr. Amy McCart, a workplace psychologist, notes, “Humor is healthy until it undermines trust or spreads untruths. False rumors can erode professional relationships and mental well-being.” A 2023 Society for Human Resource Management study found 34% of employees face reputational harm from workplace gossip, with legal action following in 10% of cases. HR involvement, as suggested, could protect him from further damage.

This reflects broader boundary issues. Dr. McCart advises, “Address it privately first, but escalate with evidence if it persists.” His reaction might have been sharper than ideal, but Addy’s refusal to back off justifies his stance.

Heres what people had to say to OP:

Reddit’s peanut gallery jumped in with fiery takes and practical advice. Here’s what they had to say:

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t27lyne - NTA this wasn’t a joke. She lied and told people you slept together so they would believe the baby was yours. You need to go and talk to someone in HR immediately and file a report. This isn’t going to go well and you need to have documentation about what has been going on.

tonks-lupin1313 - NTA that’s more than a joke it’s a really harmful accusation. Give your girlfriend a heads up in case Addy goes p**cho...

0biterdicta - NTA. You need to take this to HR or your manager, preferably in writing. Be calm and professional. Stick to the facts, not emotions or judgement calls. 'Addy has made multiple comments in the workplace leading other employees to believe her child is mine and that we had a s**ual relationship. We have never had a s**ual relationship of any kind and I am not the father of her child. Addy's behavior is creating a work environment where I do not feel comfortable.'

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AdministrationThis77 - NTA. She doesn't get to tell people you hooked up and probably the father (especially without making it clear that she was kidding) without suffering the consequences. Due to the severity if her lie and what that could lead to, I don't blame you for snapping at her

gapeach2333 - NTA. The jokes were awkward and annoying. The rest is super creepy. Stay far away from Addy. The last thing you need in your life is a person who throws wild accusations around. Try as hard as you can to never be alone with her again.

LeonhardTaylor - NTA. Dude this chick is nuts.. Go to HR right now. With people like this there's a real possibility of them getting vexed and making a false accusation at some later date, whether that be to the company you work for or to the police.. Going to HR will get it on record

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7thatsanope - NTA. That’s not funny. And she’s telling it so much and in ways that people are believing her. Is it possible she may either be delusional or trying to set up an actual claim that you’re the father and put your name on the birth certificate?

Saying it once, in private, may have been meant as a bad attempt at a joke, but what she’s doing is way beyond that and putting a stop to it publicly after she didn’t stop when you said something privately, was really the only way to make sure others knew she was lying to them.

[Reddit User] - NTA. It may have started as a joke but not at the point that she is telling coworkers that you had s** and are likely the father. Line crossed.

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benfranklin-katniss - NTA. I think you should report her. This is a red line.

PenelopeDreddfull - NTA, and since she won't listen to you, you need to report her to HR. This is now no longer a joke, this is now affecting your life and your job.

From urging HR action to calling out Addy’s antics, these voices add spice to the debate. Do they settle the score, or is there more to this workplace whodunit?

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This tale of a joke gone rogue shows how quickly fun can turn foul. The man’s anger was a natural response to Addy’s boundary-blurring rumors, though his public call-out might’ve stung more than needed. Should he have laughed it off, or was his line-drawing a must? How would you react if a friend’s prank threatened your reputation? Share your thoughts below!

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