Brandon Hatmaker Issues Statement in Response to Jen Hatmaker’s Memoir "Awake"

Author and pastor Brandon Hatmaker has released a public response to the publication of his ex-wife Jen Hatmaker's newly released memoir Awake, which has drawn significant attention for its portrayal of their marriage and divorce.

In a written statement shared on Substack, Hatmaker called the affair that ended his marriage "the lowest moment of my life," and described reliving it through the memoir's release as "a very close second." While refusing to excuse his actions, Hatmaker said he felt compelled to provide additional context and correct what he views as omissions in Jen's account.

"Jen has every right to tell her story," Hatmaker said. "What's left unsaid isn't her responsibility to tell. That part is mine."

Among his clarifications:

• Hatmaker disputed claims that he abandoned Jen to raise their five children alone, noting that at the time of their divorce three were adults and two were teenagers, and that he remained actively engaged as a father.

• He stated that his current wife, Tina, had no involvement in the affair and that their relationship began only after divorce proceedings were filed.

• He acknowledged the deep pain caused by his actions but emphasized that the memoir's promotional focus on the affair represents only a fraction of the broader story.

Hatmaker concluded his remarks by reiterating his regret and taking personal responsibility for his past failures. "There are no excuses for what I did," he wrote. "But there is always the chance to tell the full truth, and I believe both sides deserve to be heard."

 

 

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