YouTube star Jesse Ridgway He gave more insight into the decision he and his wife made Ashley Ridgway done to abort.
“We were dealing with the situation of having a baby, and we were talking about all the scenarios about what it would look like and how we would make it work, what if they had health problems, and they needed this surgery,” Jesse, 33, told. People in an interview published on Wednesday, June 10. “It was real for us. I wish people would empathize with us, know that this was not a black and white decision.”
Jesse announced earlier this month that he and Ashley, 31, had decided to terminate their pregnancy after being diagnosed with Down syndrome. While they faced a lot of public backlash, Jesse said on Wednesday that private fans also met the couple.
“I've been making content for 20 years, so we've seen hate before. But not at this level,” Jesse said. Peoplenoting that they had a great response to Ashley's abortion.
“Every second is a new threat of death for me and my wife,” he added. “The amount of private support we have received is enormous.”
Jesse continued, “For any couple that has gone through a decision [like] this, does not leave your mind. Years from now, I'll be thinking about it. But we've had people we've known for years suddenly feel comfortable sharing their abortion stories with us.”
Although there is a mix between hate and support, Jesse said he understands both sides.
“There are many factors in this story, from a political or religious point of view, or everyone wants to have a family or be a part of it,” he said. “It caused a reaction in all corners of the world.”
YouTuber Jesse Ridgway is challenging conspiracy theories after sharing that he and his wife, Ashley, made the “difficult decision to terminate” her pregnancy after being diagnosed with Down syndrome. “Ya'll can't even keep your stories straight, it's crazy,” Jesse, 33, wrote in a statement shared on his Instagram Stories and X account. […]
Jesse commented, “I don't know if there is anything else that can cause a bigger reaction than this story.”
Her chat with People comes days after Jesse took to Facebook, uploading a video of the night after Ashley's procedure.
In a lengthy clip from Monday, June 8, Jesse said Ashley's family urged her to divorce following her abortion.
“He received messages from his family accusing me of abuse and that I am brainwashing him… I told him that he must LEAVE ME ASAP,” he said, in part. “Audacious s*** who will have his head spinning due to deception and lack of consideration.”
Jesse added, “Disgusting gossip and talk between important people in his life like he doesn't even have blood. No backbone, just cowardice as I accused him of making decisions and controlling/manipulating him all these years together.”
