Friend upset over misunderstanding

[KurriKawari]

I don't what I'm really asking her but I need to talk about this in a safe space because it's upset me so much.
A friend of mine has been going through a tough time, he's had to move back home to look after his mum whilst his dad is seriously ill in hospital. His siblings have multiple issues. So I've been doing what a friend does n been a listening ear and over the last 12 months we went out for lunch. He knows I was seeing someone until very recently. I've never ever flirted with him or given off any vibes of anything more. Zilch attraction, like a brother.
All week he has been sending me messages but then deleting them before I even get to read them, but I've been top busy to pay attention to it. Then he texts me saying he really likes me and was hoping that our friendship would lead to more. I replied to say that there had been a misunderstanding and I didnt feel that way at all. He kicked off calling me bonkers. He was being so awful. I've suffered abuse in the past and I know to quickly get myself away from toxic situations. So I blocked him on WhatsApp.
He then starts texting me with each message getting more and more irate and saying that I had led him on with two "dates"!?! And I replied to say I thought men and women could be friends but was wrong. His horrible messages continued, he was trying to make out like I was mad. I blocked him on text, from calling me and from Facebook.
I genuinely feel so scared, maybe cos of my past. I felt physically sick yesterday. I know I will be fine but why can't men see friendship for what it is?

How awful, op. His reaction is very alarming and I'm so glad you have blocked him. I strongly suggest you do so permanently. He may be under a lot of stress right now, but that is no excuse for such vile, abusive, and unhinged behaviour. I'm so sorry this has happened.

I am sorry that this happened to you after giving so much kindness to him.

His behaviour is abusive and disgusting. Delete all his texts and do not ruminate in the content - it is the ramblings of a mad man.

Well done for getting out of a toxic situation.
Make sure you stay away. Do not be hoovered back in by apologies or manipulations - he is dangerous and dysfunctional.

Your title is quite misleading - he's no friend and I don't think there was a misunderstanding. He's just a bully who is flipping metaphorical tables because he didn't get his way. It's not uncommon for men to react like this to rejection, real or perceived (eg the "Bye Felipe" site where women share their experiences of guys doing this horrible 180 when turned down). It's a shame he pretended to be someone he wasn't, but it's not your fault.

Block him. He sounds like a right arsehole.

Sorry you’ve had this experience. If I were you don’t delete the messages. Keep all of them archived in case you need them as evidence in future if things were to escalate (worst case scenario, it may not actually go that far).
Keep him blocked and keep your distance. You’re better to just move on without him in your life now.
X

Something like this happened to me when I was a teenager. I'm so sorry. It's terrifying. My heart goes out to you. Xx hugs.

I had this when I ended a relationship in my younger years. He threatened to smash up my car! It’s an immature reaction to rejection

Entitled prick! Even if he tries to make amends for his awful behaviour, do not budge. Stress didn’t make him abusive, this is just a side of him that he kept hidden.