He sounds like the straight version of the guy who's being blackmailed by the man he was having an affair with from a few weeks ago.

I can believe him when he says his wife was unkind and controlling and that their libidos were mismatched but that doesn't change the fact that he had an affair and moved out of state to play happy families with his girlfriend and new baby.

Did your ex "encourage [your children] to be bratty and behave badly" or were they angry with you for leaving them behind for your new wife and child?