Found out friend used to verbally abuse his girlfriend
I’m 15 and currently in the 10th grade. Recently, I started a friendship with a boy in my grade; we share several classes and are both in the drama club. Since he usually keeps to himself and seemed like a genuinely nice, quiet person, I thought it would be great to bring him into my social circle.
I heard a rumor that he had been in a "bad" relationship previously, but I didn't know any details. During drama class recently, he mentioned he was moving schools next year. I was genuinely sad to hear it and told him he should try to stay, which he laughed off. He opened up about how he felt alone and friendless at school, so my friends and I comforted him and all exchanged socials to stay in touch.
However, when I got home, the situation changed. My mom, who is a teacher at my school, expressed concern about the friendship. She revealed that last year, he had been incredibly toxic to his girlfriend and verbally abusing her in the halls, sending harassing texts, and isolating her to the point where she had to move into lower-level classes just to escape him.
I was shocked. As a new student, I only knew the shy, kind version of him. While I know he struggles with mental health issues, I don’t believe that excuses that kind of behavior. To protect my own peace and stand by my values, I’ve already removed him from my social media. I’m just not comfortable supporting someone with that history.
But what should I do in the meantime? My whole friend group is friends with him, he also sits beside me in my drama class.