Allergies are a real concern and peanut allergies, specifically, are one of the most common types of food allergies. The reaction that somebody can have from a peanut allergy can range from hives to anaphylaxis. In other words, it should be taking seriously. That’s why, for one person in Texas, they feel inclined to take action after somebody didn’t. In fact, it wasn’t an accident, but an intentional attempt to ‘test’ if it was real.
The post was created on r/AITAH and was captioned, “AITA for pressing charges on my uncle at a family BBQ?” so you know it’s going to be filled with some interesting family drama. OP started the post by saying that they have a peanut allergy but that none of their family is willing to accommodate them even though they know this. They went on to say that they sometimes breaks out in hives, to which they feel like picking. Because of this, they wear sports sleeves and compression gloves.
When OP was invited to a family BBQ, they arrived early and wore sleeves because they knew there would be peanuts at the BBQ. People questioned OP about their long sleeves on such a warm day and when they explained their allergy, someone said it “couldn’t be possibly because I am a spitting image of my mother, her genes couldn’t possibly have done that.” Annoyed, OP grabbed a hot dog and hung out in the garage.
However, OP claims their uncle became belligerently drunk at the get-together and started to throw peanuts in their face. OP’s uncle was attempting to see if they were “really allergic to them or a liar.” OP started to swell. They reached for their epi pen, only to find it was missing. OP quickly discovered their uncle stole their pen before he did his little test. He wanted to see if they would actually reach for it.
As OP was calling 911 to tell them what happened before things got much worse, their aunt grabbed the epi pen out of their uncle’s hand and administered to it just before OP went unconscious. They were then taken out of the family BBQ on a stretcher and taken to the hospital for care. As OP was at the hospital, they spoke with the responding police, who asked if they wanted to press charges. They decided that was the best option.
Now, OP questions if they made the wrong decision. According to their mother, she “says I’m in the wrong, and he was just being a drunk jerk.” Apparently, though, this isn’t the first time OP’s uncle put their life in danger. Naturally, this should serve as a lesson on his part.
Redditors are siding with OP over this one, telling them they need to look out for herself. One commenter said, “That wasn’t a prank that was reckless and could’ve killed you. Pressing charges is the only reason he might take it seriously.” Another pointed out, “Really. If he got in the car and killed someone in an accident, would people be arguing that he was just a drunk idiot and shouldn’t get manslaughter or murder charges?”
After the incident, OP said they were released from the hospital. They were also going to follow through with the charges, echoing the sentiment of another commenter: “Press charges AND hold him liable for the ER visit!” They said, in the meantime, they’re refusing contact with some of their family until the matters are handled by police. With family like that, who needs enemies? An actual assault on your life is definitely reason enough to cut them off.
