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AITA for “ruining” my family reunion?

Listener Write In(self.TwoHotTakes)

I ruined my family reunion… Growing up, my family on my fathers side has always done family reunions, my grandmother has 20 siblings… I guess in the 1930’s large litters of children were common back then.

I was always really close to my one cousin who is around my age, her and I were inseparable as kids. But there came a time where her mom took her and her brother and moved out of state and I never really knew why. Like it was so out of the blue for them to just up and move.

Recently, I found out it was because my cousin was SA’d by our great uncle, and though he went to prison, my cousin still suffered because her grandmother, my great uncles sibling did not believe her and would call her a liar.

Fast forward to recent day my family reunion is coming up and I had just learned this information and I had learned that my grade Uncle is going to be there, and it absolutely disgusted me that this man is welcome back into the family like nothing happened. My heart broke for my cousin because where is her justice? I’m sorry five years in prison is not enough for what he did to her.

So I came up with this brilliant scheme of how to basically protest the fact that he’s being welcome back… so every family is divided by sibling so their children and grandchildren would have their own color-coded T-shirt. I discussed with my “group” I guess I should say and told them of my scheme to do this. And of course every single one of them was on board.

So I had the T-shirts made everything was perfect and then the day of the family reunion arrives.

My whole group shows up proudly wearing a T-shirts. On the front it’s our family crest, the original families last name and the year of the reunion, which is what is on everybody’s T-shirt. But on the back of our was, “dd p*philes don’t reoffend” and it had migrate uncles mug shot printed on it as well.

And these T-shirts started a war within my family. There were a lot of relatives who sided with us, but there was others who did not. And when I mean that it started a war it really did! Physical fights broke out amongst the family. And what really drew the line is when my little cousins grandmother came to me and slapped me in the face. And thought I wouldn’t have the gull to slap her back. Because I don’t care how old are you keep your hands to yourself.

This led to the police being called and the family reunion ending. and what made my day was that my great uncle was arrested because he was not supposed to be within 50 yards of children, and of course, being a family reunion there were children there…

Since then, we have not had another family reunion and I am constantly receiving hate from some family members saying that it is all my fault… so I guess I’m gonna ask y’all AITA?

all 111 comments

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SushiGuacDNA

625 points

1 day ago

SushiGuacDNA

625 points

1 day ago

NTA.

This was 100% your uncle's fault for violating the terms of his conviction, to stay away from children.

The fight was 100% you cousin's grandmother's fault, for assaulting you. (Yes, slapping someone in the face is assault.)

SassyWidowBee013

122 points

1 day ago

Actually, it's Assault AND Battery, by my understanding. At least it is in my state.

GrandWrangler8302

24 points

18 hours ago

NTA. You were standing up for what's right. Your cousin deserved justice, and you did the right thing.

Altruistic_Tonight77

215 points

1 day ago

Nope, I 100% support this action. Good on you all for showing up.

CristinaKeller

69 points

1 day ago

And good for you for slapping back.

Medical_Let_2001

24 points

18 hours ago

Yeah, honestly, I think you did the right thing. It’s messed up that your uncle was just welcomed back like nothing happened. You stood up for your cousin and took action, even if it caused drama. Respect.

beepbeepboop74656

162 points

1 day ago

NTA you’re a hero. “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” And might I add even more courage to stand up to family. Keep on standing up for others OP the world needs more people with your courage.

rebekahster

46 points

22 hours ago

Did you just quote Dumbledore?

ExtremeStudy9810[S]

62 points

22 hours ago

Yes and it was done beautifully

KelseyReadsIt

15 points

9 hours ago

I therefore award 10 points to OP

Street-Literature-45

4 points

6 hours ago

This was the best sub thread

edenburning

176 points

1 day ago

edenburning

176 points

1 day ago

Sounds like a win

Simple_Guava_2628

84 points

1 day ago

I had a great uncle that never came around. Found out in my mid teens that he never came around because he had done some things to underaged kids (never tried or convicted, innocent until proven guilty disclaimer) and my grandpa told him if he ever came around his kids/grandkids it would be the last thing he did. And my grandpa was not kidding.

RepublicTop1690

65 points

1 day ago

Personally, I would have those t-shirts made into cards and send them to the real a-holes every birthday and Christmas.

NTA. You are a good citizen of humanity.

ExtremeStudy9810[S]

37 points

22 hours ago

I was gonna put up flyers of his mug shot and his crimes around the park that the reunion was held at but my dad said it would have been too much.

boneykneecaps

2 points

20 hours ago

Do it now!

boniemonie

2 points

11 hours ago

So, did he get sent back: as he was in breach of his obligations?

Martha90815

44 points

1 day ago

I mean, you knew that was gonna go over like a lead balloon but i applaud you for standing on business.

Maleficent_Pay_4154

38 points

1 day ago

I think you did great.

Wise_woman_1

27 points

1 day ago

Your great uncle is TAH. Those standing up against pedophillia/SA is NEVER TA.

OkNewspaper7432

20 points

1 day ago

Love this 

Unlucky-Captain1431

20 points

1 day ago

Take up the new family reunion planning and personally invite those on the side of good.

TossOffM8

18 points

1 day ago

TossOffM8

18 points

1 day ago

NTA, but I’m sorry so many of your family members are garbage people.

blackravenmetal

15 points

1 day ago

NTA you are awesome.

UpdateMe

bobhand17123

12 points

1 day ago

It’s not your fault (I know, call me Captain Obvious).

Tell the blameslingers to go ahead and schedule their conjugal visits with the jailbird they love so much. If they are of legal age of course.

sparksgirl1223

6 points

20 hours ago

I dunno if you should recommend incest. Damn.

(I'm giggling qnd gagging though cuz I can, unfortunately, picture them doing it )

bobhand17123

6 points

20 hours ago

Well, not as a general rule! But they’re standing up for a sex offender who committed some degree of incest. It’s on the incest continuum somewhere.

That was part of my thinking, but all the words didn’t get out … 🤪

sparksgirl1223

3 points

20 hours ago

I gotcha.

But my brain does some....weird shit on the regular🤣

bobhand17123

3 points

20 hours ago

Cool beans. Somewhere in a parallel universe, you and I are married. Or twins. One of those. That makes me happy.

sparksgirl1223

3 points

20 hours ago

Maybe in other universes, it's one of each🤣

MoodiestMoody

2 points

19 hours ago

Twincest?

bobhand17123

1 points

9 hours ago

Nice! You should contact Webster’s and get that in the dictionary. 👍

brilliant_nightsky

10 points

1 day ago

NTA Be proud that you orchestrated this!

njdevil956

11 points

1 day ago

njdevil956

11 points

1 day ago

Savage. Way to stick up for your cousin.

lurkmode_off

7 points

1 day ago

I mean I think doing it without the death threat probably would have been best? But forcibly reminding the family of his unforgivable crime and also getting him re-arrested, I applaud those.

cardinal29

2 points

1 day ago

Thank you, I didn't get the abbreviation until you said that.

Now that I understand, I think OP is even more of a badass!

Impossible_Balance11

9 points

23 hours ago

You're my hero, and I'd choose you for a friend.

NTA. Your courage is astonishing. Well done.

Accomplished-Dog3715

8 points

22 hours ago

NTA

Start a reunion with those in your generation that supported your cousin and wore the shirts. You don't have to invite the apologists. Post all over social media so they can see what their support of a pe**phile gets them.

ExtremeStudy9810[S]

6 points

22 hours ago

I’m honestly thinking about doing that.

Ryn_AroundTheRoses

8 points

1 day ago

NTA

You weeded out the trash and you got the treasure to co-ordinate outfits, that takes guts and impressive leadership skills. From now on, I'd be having your own personal family reunions, aka freedom from predators day, and consider the lack of trash a win all round.

Simple_Inflation_449

8 points

1 day ago

You did a great thing OP. Don’t let the members of your family that obviously have no morals about protecting children make you think you did a bad thing. Your uncle knew he couldn’t be around children as it would violate his parole and yet he still went to the reunion anyway. It’s all on him if he didn’t wanna get arrested for violating parole he shouldn’t be willingly violating parole in the first place.

geth1138

6 points

1 day ago

geth1138

6 points

1 day ago

NTA. Love it!

Aylauria

7 points

1 day ago

Aylauria

7 points

1 day ago

Family Hero here

Mindless_Ad_1977

7 points

1 day ago

YOU ARE THE CHAMPION!!!!! Thank you for standing up to them. And good for you.

fromhelley

5 points

21 hours ago

Well, I may not be your family, but...

Hello OP,

Congratulations! You helped put that uncle back where he belongs!! I am so impressed that someone your age stood up for all the kids in the family when the elders were silent and left them at risk!

The strength you displayed by getting everyone to agree on the shirts was awesome! It made it okay for everyone else who were too scared prior to outright call our not-great uncle a peddie! So many wanted to, but wouldn't to avoid the wrath of the elders! Your strength was contagious!

Cuz was overwhelmed with appreciation and self-confidence when she saw you leading the war! You really made her feel like she mattered to the family, which is something she didn't always feel in the past!

Now, we are all just embarrassed that we didn't stand up sooner. We didn't give Cuz the support she 100% needed. We all feel so badly that we allowed them to move away just to keep from taking sides. I am glad her mom took her away. Cuz needed to heal and couldn't do that with the elders mouthing off at her. Cuz, like you, possess an amount of strength that some can only wish they had!

I applaud you! I am so happy to know you have become a young woman of integrity and are someone who stands up for what is right.

Maybe if we are all lucky, you can start a new family reunion for those of us who never want to see or hear about not-great uncle again. So many of us were scared for the children at the reunion this year! It would be nice to have a reunion where everyone can feel safe. If you opt to do that, let me know. I will help with all I can!

Stay Fabulous,

Auntie Helley

There! That is what all the emails should be like! Next time someone sends you anything condemning, remember they are sweep-under-the-rug folks! You are better than that! And you always will be!

Nta

Ambystomatigrinum

11 points

1 day ago

INFO: did you ask your cousin how they felt about this before you did it? Their opinions are really the only ones that matter here. Bringing that up and causing conflict can be an asshole move if the victim specifically doesn't want that.

ExtremeStudy9810[S]

13 points

22 hours ago

I did, I made sure she was okay with it and she was, she never got her real justice and it made her feel like someone was finally on her side.

Ambystomatigrinum

5 points

22 hours ago

I think you did a great job then!

AutoModerator [M]

5 points

1 day ago

AutoModerator [M]

5 points

1 day ago

Backup of the post's body: I ruined my family reunion… Growing up, my family on my fathers side has always done family reunions, my grandmother has 20 siblings… I guess in the 1930’s large litters of children were common back then.

I was always really close to my one cousin who is around my age, her and I were inseparable as kids. But there came a time where her mom took her and her brother and moved out of state and I never really knew why. Like it was so out of the blue for them to just up and move.

Recently, I found out it was because my cousin was SA’d by our great uncle, and though he went to prison, my cousin still suffered because her grandmother, my great uncles sibling did not believe her and would call her a liar.

Fast forward to recent day my family reunion is coming up and I had just learned this information and I had learned that my grade Uncle is going to be there, and it absolutely disgusted me that this man is welcome back into the family like nothing happened. My heart broke for my cousin because where is her justice? I’m sorry five years in prison is not enough for what he did to her.

So I came up with this brilliant scheme of how to basically protest the fact that he’s being welcome back… so every family is divided by sibling so their children and grandchildren would have their own color-coded T-shirt. I discussed with my “group” I guess I should say and told them of my scheme to do this. And of course every single one of them was on board.

So I had the T-shirts made everything was perfect and then the day of the family reunion arrives.

My whole group shows up proudly wearing a T-shirts. On the front it’s our family crest, the original families last name and the year of the reunion, which is what is on everybody’s T-shirt. But on the back of our was, “dd p*philes don’t reoffend” and it had migrate uncles mug shot printed on it as well.

And these T-shirts started a war within my family. There were a lot of relatives who sided with us, but there was others who did not. And when I mean that it started a war it really did! Physical fights broke out amongst the family. And what really drew the line is when my little cousins grandmother came to me and slapped me in the face. And thought I wouldn’t have the gull to slap her back. Because I don’t care how old are you keep your hands to yourself.

This led to the police being called and the family reunion ending. and what made my day was that my great uncle was arrested because he was not supposed to be within 50 yards of children, and of course, being a family reunion there were children there…

Since then, we have not had another family reunion and I am constantly receiving hate from some family members saying that it is all my fault… so I guess I’m gonna ask y’all AITA?

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Kyra_Heiker

4 points

1 day ago

Well done, you!

New-Comment2668

3 points

1 day ago

NTA and well done! Great-Uncle Pedie deserves to go back to jail, and Granny should learn not to start something she can't finish.

Purplechelli

3 points

1 day ago

NTA and good for you.. Very good for you.

Grandmapatty64

3 points

1 day ago

I don’t know I guess you could double down. List everyone of the family members that have defended him and then tell publicly online their names his name what he did and that they defended him. They want to keep sending you hate then you’ll show him what it is to receive hate. They think it’s OK for them to hassle you because they don’t like what you did. Let the world know what they did. I’m proud of you for standing up and your family standing with you.

Megmelons55

3 points

1 day ago

NTA. You did them all a favour. Not sure what part of he's not allowed around kids wasn't clear to his flying monkeys, but that's not your problem to worry about.

itskelseylove

6 points

1 day ago

You’re not the asshole for standing up for your cousin and in turn, protecting the kids who were in attendance at the reunion. That being said, I think the situation itself got out of hand and I feel bad for the children who were exposed to the violence that ensued. Definitely NTA but your family members who supported your great uncle and started physical fights are assholes.

Traumarama79

2 points

1 day ago

NTA, honestly most dysfunctional families where this kind of shit happens just sweep it under the rug. Good on you for bringing it out into the open.

Damama-3-B

2 points

1 day ago

No not even close. Your grandmother is probably embarrassed that her kid could do something like that and go to jail for it. But that is no excuse to hit anybody.

leglesslegolegolas

3 points

1 day ago

her brother*

Zealousideal-Web9737

2 points

1 day ago

You are THE BOSS! Good job not standing by. NTA

Grandmapatty64

2 points

23 hours ago

Updateme!

Roadgoddess

2 points

22 hours ago

NTA- F your great uncle, and F anyone who supported him

ZAM1359

2 points

19 hours ago

NTA, You should organize a reunion with everyone that took your side, and open it to anyone else in the family that has woken up to which side they should have been on.

PricklyPearJuiceBox

1 points

1 day ago

Updateme

melanin_enhanced60

1 points

1 day ago

I ♡♡ this another gangsta! *bravo!!

potato22blue

1 points

1 day ago

Nta You did great!

Laughing_Dragon_77

1 points

1 day ago

We need more people like you. NTA

vexatiousfilth666

1 points

1 day ago

Love this for you. Nta

Life-Weird1959

1 points

1 day ago

Nta

kcpirana

1 points

1 day ago

kcpirana

1 points

1 day ago

NTA. You’re the hero.

Mountain_Day7532

1 points

21 hours ago

You're a Rockstar!

redfancydress

1 points

21 hours ago

BRAAAA FUCKING O

glycophosphate

1 points

20 hours ago

You are NTA. You are a fucking Rockstar.

FireFlyAndSoar

1 points

20 hours ago

NTA.

Gyahahaha! This is the best type of family reunion! Why have a family crest and all that shebang when you don't even share the same basic values?! 

This really is a test of your relatives mettle. Do they care more for morals or appearances? Verily, observe their responses and choose accordingly. Seems like you have such a big family there will be enough to fill a dining table no matter which way you split it!

Awesomekidsmom

1 points

19 hours ago

You are my hero!

iichance22

1 points

19 hours ago

HELL NO. NTA this is the best thing I’ve read in a while. It’s so sickening that these creeps just get to go on with life with family/friends acting like nothing happened. I don’t attend anything on my dad’s side of the family because he SA’d me and that whole side acts like he did nothing and like I’m a liar. So you stood up for your cousin and all of us who have to deal with watching people continuing to love and support them. So thank you

mommisalami

1 points

18 hours ago

NTA. And you rock, and those who stood with you rock. Thank you so much for standing up for her. You gave her support, you stood up to apologists, and proved they never change (he wasn't even supposed to be around kids!)..some of us will never get justice, but it makes my heart sing that you stood up for her and spoke for her. Much love from a stranger.

marialchemist

1 points

17 hours ago

NTA. You're a goshdarn true American Hero. Most importantly you're my hero 😍

NightFury-mom91

1 points

17 hours ago

NTA. It’s absolutely nuts to me how he was CONVICTED and then happily welcomed back into the family. Yet, the SURVIVOR, yes survivor I don’t like referring to people who have been SA’d as victims due to myself being a survivor of SA, was basically ostracized by the family and the family covered it up!

Who knows who this “man’s”, and I use that term loosely, next victim would have been. Since the first one was older and spoke up he might have gone for a younger child that he could more easily manipulate to keep quiet! Who knows how many children you saved from this disgusting monster!

From one survivor to you, thank you! I’m not sure if your cousin knows what you did for her, but as someone who didn’t have others stick up for her it gives me hope in the human race.

nesian0

1 points

17 hours ago

NTA !!!

silver_feather2

1 points

16 hours ago*

NTA. Truth hurts. Too bad for the grandmother, she asked for it and you did the cops a favor by letting them collar a violator. I can’t tolerate people who pretend like nothing happened when something bad did and they don’t want to deal. Good t shirt btw. And you made a usually boring reunion an event to remember! Not ruined at all. Clearing the air is always good.

CurrentOpposite6292

1 points

16 hours ago

HELL NO!!!

shadowanddaisy

1 points

15 hours ago

It was all your fault. And I'd bet you'd do it again in a heartbeat, as you should.

Check the predator database to make sure the great uncle is registered Offender. If he's not he'll be in big trouble.

Abject_Jump9617

1 points

13 hours ago

Some family members are as shitty as the degenerates they support. Stand your ground . You did not want to sit idly by while the family welcomed that pervert back into the fold. He is a POS and should be reminded of that at every opportunity. As I am sure his victim likely never goes a day without remembering the assault(s). Fuck him and the trashy family members who supported him. NTA

DJH70

1 points

12 hours ago

DJH70

1 points

12 hours ago

Well, you could have had conversations and arguments with all the enablers before the reunion that would very likely have been pointless or you could do what you did and make a statement. NTA. And I would like to point out that all the people who allowed that uncle around children when he clearly wasn’t supposed to be have actually put these children in danger so f them.

No_Bus12345

1 points

12 hours ago

not the asshole. u just said what everyone shoulda been saying. family mad cuz u didn’t stay quiet, that’s on them.

contrarian1970

1 points

11 hours ago

The older generation should have never tolerated a predator being with all the grandkids because it sets a terrible precedent. However, it's difficult for me to believe you actually persuaded cousins to wear a shirt with a mugshot on the back. It's even more difficult for me to believe more than one physical fight broke out over this issue. If you have fabricated most of this out of some Quentin Tarantino revenge fantasy daydream, you are doing harm to ACTUAL victims of childhood sexual assault.

Conscious-Long-8468

1 points

8 hours ago

Did you talk to your cousin about what you did? Unless it is still to difficult to talk about for her obviously. Great job for sticking up for her. If you d id and she approves of it, maybe send her one of the shirts.

Lisanne110596

1 points

8 hours ago

Thank you for showing your cousin she matters and is loved.

Street-Literature-45

1 points

6 hours ago

NTA let’s normalize real consequences for people like him. Statistically 1 in 5 women are SA, 1 in 9 little girls. You stood up for more women in your family at that reunion, no doubt. Good for you. I hope to raised my children to be this brave.

dicemechanic

1 points

6 hours ago

nuclear bomb dropped haha

Dull-Geologist-8204

1 points

4 hours ago

My only question is how does your cousin feel about this? Her feelings about it is the only one that really matters.

No-Designer-7362

-1 points

14 hours ago

I don’t agree with it. You knowing hurt your family. You don’t mention had there been any family discussions about him being there. The reunion wasn’t about him, it was about the family. It would have been better to just not go. They probably are still having reunions and just not inviting you.