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The original was posted on /r/AmItheAsshole by /u/Substantial-Rock5707 on 2023-08-11 19:33:51.

“Rachel” the daughter of “Anna” who lives on my street, will be released from prison next month. A few years ago, she and her boyfriend got drunk and stole her dad’s car. She got behind the wheel and ended up hitting “Mark” whose wife “Sarah” I’m good friends with. Mark passed away, and Sarah and her kids understandably hate Anna and Rachel.

Rachel got a long sentence, first in a youth custody centre and then moved to adult prison when she was of age. I was friends with Anna before it all happened, because Rachel used to tutor my kids in maths and also used to give my daughter fashion/outfit advice. I still casually speak to Anna, because I understand she and her husband are going through a tough time too.

I own an accounting firm, and recently Anna said Rachel would be out soon and would need a job, so asked if I’d take Rachel on as a trainee. She showed me Rachel’s school exam results from before she got arrested, and they were very impressive. Particularly maths, where Rachel got full marks in every exam. I thought a talented kid like that deserved an opportunity to turn her life around and would be a great asset to my company.

When I saw Sarah I explained that I’d agreed to take Rachel on, and she was understandably very upset and angry. She didn’t understand how I could “just ignore” what Rachel did to her husband. I’m not ignoring it and I’m not minimizing it. But she’s a talented young women who’s just had an awful time, and now deserves an opportunity to turn her life around.

My husband thinks I’m being insensitive by giving Rachel the chance, but I don’t think I am. What she did was disgusting, but she was a stupid teenager. She’s now a young woman who deserves a chance to pick up the pieces and rebuild her life.

AITA?