TW AIBU in wanting to support a friend after her son’s conviction TW

[fluffypillowssndgreywhites]

NC

My friends son has been found guilty of Rape.

I want to support her but I just don’t know what to say.

She’s in denial, believes he is innocent despite being found guilty by a jury.

I don’t know the specific details of the case as the reporting is restricted and I haven’t asked her any questions, just listened to what she has said, which hasn’t been much about details more the verdict.

She has today, posted a meme on Facebook about loving her son unconditionally.

I want to message her, but what do I say? What can I say?

WWYD? Leave it? Or send a message?

He’s 18 now.

Look OP - this is a hill I will die on as someone who was raped. They all fucking lie. It’s always a misunderstanding.
Right now your friend can believe what she wants about her son.
But he was convicted and I’m sure she heard the evidence and I’m sure he was legally represented. If there is anything unsound in the conviction he can appeal.
That is the sum total of conversation I’d have about the crime.
Your friend may well wish to discuss it.
Personally I would refuse point blank to engage in any discussion about it and tell her to speak to a solicitor or the barrister.
Support her by all means emotionally but absolutely no way would I get involved in the discussion about the conviction.
Memes.. for a convicted rapist? She’s suffering I’m sure - but she should have better support in place to cope with her feelings than meme posting.
Whether you want to join her in helping her cope is a difficult thing.
if I saw a meme like that post conviction I would never speak to that person again. But that’s because I know what it’s like to be a victim and hear all the shit people have to say about you as the person making the “allegations“ - a phrase that persists past the conviction stage where it doesn’t belong. The girl is a victim of a serious crime as found by a jury. His mother wasn’t there at the time (we’d hope) so she can love and support and believe her son until the end of the world. And juries get things wrong etc - so .. he can appeal.