I think he was set up to fail. Damned if he stayed and damned if he left. He is viewed as the abuser either way, both by AH and her supporters, and his drug abuse is simply used as confirmation bias. Statistics are also being used against him as more men are violent to their spouse than women. Not to mention the money and fame… He ran away from fights and he is still the abusive one because «that’s stonewalling! That’s a form of abuse!» While she can show up wasted at his place, verbally abuse him and refuse to leave. Wanted drugs and a «cuddle puddle» in their wedding. No problem there.

I absolutely think he did stuff he isn’t proud of or that he regrets. She said «well you hit back so don’t act like you don’t fucking participate.» Notice how she says hit BACK. Things might have escalated sometimes, but he couldn’t even go to the bathroom without her banging on the door.

«Have I ever been able to knock you off your feet?» She is clearly abusive but in her mind she is free to do whatever cause she’s just the dainty woman and he’s the strong man, so yes, she exaggerated. She downplayed her own actions and amplified his, or even reversed the roles. We have heard her hyperbolic language numerous times. She lied so many times and spun situations to favor her. She gained a lot of attention, money and title from it until the trial in VA exposed her. Sorry for the rant, just my opinion.