[UPDATE 2] AITAH for cutting off my family after my brother cheated on his wife and got his mistress pregnant?

Picture a tense visit to a sister-in-law’s home, where a woman braces to reveal her brother’s devastating betrayal: he cheated, and his mistress is pregnant. But the bombshell lands differently—her SIL already knows, having spotted the mistress’s car at their mother’s house. What follows is a whirlwind of family harassment, workplace drama, and a bold plan to start fresh elsewhere.

This Reddit saga, buzzing with raw emotion and tough choices, pulls readers into a storm of loyalty, betrayal, and resilience. The woman’s decision to support her SIL, cut off her toxic family, and elope out of state captures the struggle of breaking free from chaos. It’s a story that resonates with anyone who’s had to redraw family lines for their own peace.

For those who want to read the previous part: Original post, [UPDATE]

‘[UPDATE 2] AITAH for cutting off my family after my brother cheated on his wife and got his mistress pregnant?’

Family ties can snap under the weight of betrayal, and this woman’s story shows the fallout of her brother’s cheating. Her SIL’s discovery of the affair—via her own family spotting the pregnant mistress—sparked a fierce response, cutting the brother and his family off from her baby’s life. The woman’s choice to side with her SIL, despite harassment from her mother and brother, reflects a commitment to integrity over toxic loyalty.

The brother’s blame and mother’s emails reveal a family deflecting guilt rather than owning it. The woman’s decision to involve HR and report her mother’s harassment to the property manager shows a strategic push for boundaries, though it stirred workplace drama. As psychologist Dr. Joshua Coleman notes, “Estrangement often stems from unaddressed betrayals” . The mother’s complaint to the woman’s HR suggests retaliation, escalating the conflict.

This mirrors a broader trend: family estrangement is rising. A 2021 study by the American Sociological Association found 27% of adults have cut off family members . The woman’s plan to move and elope is a bid for mental health, but distancing her SIL, while pragmatic, risks guilt. Maintaining contact through visits, as planned, can balance support with self-care.

For now, legal steps like cease-and-desist notices are wise. Consulting a lawyer, as she intends, and using resources like Nolo can solidify her boundaries. Her story underscores the power of choosing peace over chaos, even when family fights back.

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

Reddit’s community cheered the woman’s resolve, praising her support for her SIL and her escape from a toxic family. Many saw the brother’s blame and mother’s harassment as attempts to dodge accountability, with some questioning why the family defended a cheater. The SIL’s “scorched earth” approach—banning the family from her baby’s life—earned admiration for its strength.

Others debated the HR and property manager reports, with some calling it overreach, while most supported her protecting her job and mental health. The consensus backed her move out of state and elopement, viewing it as a fresh start. The community urged her to stay vigilant and prioritize her well-being, reflecting empathy for her tangled situation.

This cheating scandal reveals the cost of family loyalty when betrayal runs deep. The woman’s support for her SIL and bold exit from toxicity show courage, but the harassment and job threats highlight the price of standing firm. It’s a reminder that sometimes, cutting ties is the only path to peace. Have you ever had to distance yourself from family drama? Share your experiences below—let’s keep the conversation alive.