'My groomzilla brother uninvited my son from his wedding - he says he'd steal spotlight'

A woman was left gobsmacked after her 'groomzilla' brother uninvited her seven-year-old son from his wedding due to fears he would make a scene and steal the spotlight

A woman has slammed her 'groomzilla' brother for banning her seven-year-old son from attending his wedding. She explained how her brother unexpectedly phoned her up one day and uninvited the young boy from his special day due to fears he would make a scene.

Taking to Reddit, she said: "My brother is getting married next month, and originally, my whole family was invited, including my seven-year-old son, Alex, who has autism. Alex can sometimes be loud and energetic, but he's a sweet kid and generally manages well at public events with some accommodations, which we've always handled discreetly.

"A week ago, my brother called me up, out of the blue, and explained that his fiancée’s family is worried about having a child who might be disruptive at the ceremony. He said it would mean a lot to him and his fiancée if Alex didn’t attend. Instead of discussing it with me, they've decided unilaterally."

Trying to soften the blow, her brother assured her everyone else, including her other children, were still welcome to attend. However, this had the opposite effect. She added: "I was stunned and hurt. I tried to assure him that we'd take all necessary steps to minimize any disruptions, including sitting at the back and stepping out if Alex became too much to handle. Despite this, my brother stood firm.

AITA for refusing to attend my brother's wedding after he uninvited my son?
byu/NathalieCupcake_ inAITAH

"Feeling backed into a corner, I told him that if my son isn’t welcome, then neither am I. Now, my parents and other family members are saying I’m overreacting and that I should not miss the wedding over this. They're pressuring me to just go and leave Alex with a sitter. I feel like attending would be endorsing their discriminatory attitude toward my son."

Wanting to know whether she's in the wrong for taking this stance, she has taken to social media to ask users for their thoughts on the situation. In response, one user said: "It’s so messed up for your brother to uninvite your son just because of his autism. Family should be supportive and inclusive, not make you choose between your child and them. You’re standing up for your son, and that’s what matters most. If they can’t understand that, it’s on them, not you."

Another user added: "Is the kid a screamer? A wedding isn't just some public event, and if the kid is prone to outbursts I can see where they're coming from. Yeah you love your kid but take a moment and take stock of things, and if the kid can be disruptive, admit it."

A third user said: "You're not the a***hole for refusing to attend. If other children are allowed, then the only thing he’s saying is that he doesn’t want the disabled kid there. I understand that autistic kids have less internal regulation, but no child is perfectly behaved."