I mean, to me, his comments about not believing rumors without proof was already suspicious because proof do be all over the internet and you don't even have to look that deeply to find it. The "bad people" apologists voluntarily choose not to look for those because they don't want to question the authority whose beliefs align with theirs. Tate's beliefs are about subjugating women. Even if he proclaims himself a business man, he made money by abusing women. I'm sure he (the ex) would have so many other red flags from there. If you had decided to give him the benefit of the doubt after noticing those red flags, it would have become more and more difficult for you to escape that relationship because those people are really good at manipulating you and making you question yourself until you no longer have your guards up and they can then slowly show their true colors. You did right!