'AITA for confronting my sister-in-law after she lied about cheating with me to hurt my brother?'

When family loyalty and personal integrity collide, the fallout can be as messy as it is emotional.

One man took to Reddit to share his experience navigating the chaos caused by his brother’s infidelity and his sister-in-law’s attempt at revenge—one that nearly implicated him in the process.

Man Confronts sister-in-law over explosive claim amid brother’s cheating scandal

“So earlier today I made a post here, tldr my brother cheated on my sil, and when she served him papers, she implied that we are having an affair by saying that she chose the wrong brother and I am much better than my brother, which caused a fight between me and my brother,” the Original Poster (OP) explained as part of the story's update.

Determined to clear the air before things spiraled further, OP reached out to his sister-in-law. “I decided to talk to her and clear things up between us asap before it gets worse, so I called her and fixed up a meeting between us and told her we need to have a clear discussion about our future,” he wrote.

During their meeting, OP made it clear how damaging her words had been. “I told her that after what she said, she put us in a very difficult position. After her divorce, she won't be my sil anymore, and what she said was really dumb and harmful for her upcoming divorce. She fucked us both when I was going to support her.”

Her response? An apology, coupled with an admission of impulsive behavior. “She said she agrees and apologized to me and said she just wanted to get back at my brother and wanted him to feel pain just like she did, and she lost control and impulsively said something which would hurt him the most.”

While OP empathized with her emotions, he also pointed out the consequences of her actions. “I told her I understand that, but you dragged me in this, and as much as I love her and want to support her, I probably can't because his lawyer will obviously bring it up. I think she can't sue him for cheating when she said she is cheating on him with his own brother.”

Man offers financial help to sister-in-law after her misstep

The sister-in-law admitted she hadn’t considered the legal implications. “She said she didn’t think that far ahead and lost control,” OP recounted. To salvage the situation, he proposed a plan: “I said she should text everyone, including my brother, that she lied in order to get back at my brother and consult her lawyer. And if she can find a better one, she should, and I'll help her with funds.”

To protect themselves from further scrutiny, OP suggested they maintain a low profile. “We also should maintain our distance and only stay in touch discreetly, and even if we meet, it should only be when it's necessary so that people don't think our relationship is inappropriate.”

Despite the tension, OP committed to supporting her as much as possible, though he recognized the limits of his involvement. “She wants as much settlement money or alimony as possible, but what she said kinda fucked her plan and fucked me up as well because I think, at this point, my testimony would be kinda meaningless.”

Acknowledging the fine line he’s walking, OP reflected on his torn loyalties. “Maybe helping my sil is betrayal to my brother, but he is in the wrong—he cheated. And my sil is family, and I can’t just lose years of connection with her just because she's not my sil anymore.”

Internet asks OP to steer away from brother and sister-in-law's messy divorce

With voices chiming in from every corner of the internet, Redditors had strong opinions on how the Original Poster (OP) should proceed. From staying completely out of the situation to warning against financial support and discreet communication, their advice painted a clear picture: this is a storm OP should steer far away from.

One Reddit user chimed in, "You need to stay out of this. Period. She needs to get her own lawyer, with her own money. And, no, don't contact her "discreetly", otherwise it looks shady, like you are intentionally, secretly, having contact (which would only be necessary if you were having an inappropriate relationship). Ideally, she would apologize publicly to you and admit she lied out of anger. But ultimately, she needs to listen to her attorney, only. Finally, you need to stay far away."

Another added, "I agree-OP needs to keep out of this completely. His SIL has really screwed the pooch here and done a disservice to OP in the process. Even though he’s innocent, his name has been connected to hers for cheating and now there will always be people that think it’s true, just because those words came vs out of her mouth."

Someone else noted, "If u meet with her discreetly, the courts will have a field day. You will be painted in an adulterous light, no matter the facts. Stay cordial, but let this play out on its own with no intervention. Any further assistance will make u seem like u are indeed in a relationship. After it's over, as long as u stayed distant and cordial, then u guys can do whatever. Until the divorce is over, steer clear. As soon as she said that, truth or not, you became a liability on this situation."

A user remarked, "Stop do not help her with funds. Just because your brother did something stupid doesn’t mean you have to give her money. It’s life. People do shitty things all the time. Stop seeing her. She isn’t family anymore. It will cause more issues if you see or help her. Go your separate ways. And yeah he hurt her but going for as much money as she can makes her a jerk too.

One comment declared, "No. No more phone calls, no money, no support. She is not your friend. She would've never have dragged you into this with your own brother if she thought of you as a friend. She purposely used you as his brother, she could've said anyone else but she choose to burn you in this with your family. After she clears this up, you need to block her completely."

Another simply added, "DO NOT GIVE HER MONEY."

As one person explained, " Why would you have anything to do with someone who lied like that and interfered in your sibling relationship?"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.