I really like the idea of Deceit and the "dark sides". I like acknowledging that not all sides of our personalities are positive or inherently good, we are humans after all and we are full of flaws. With that said, even if i don't defend Deceit's actions (he is an asshole and a great villain) i struggle to see him truly as this abusive manipulative sociopath some people in the fandom seem to be painting him us. I mean, he is still a part of Thomas! Even if he is a dark part of him. He may be a irredeemable jerk, but i see him more as a goofy over-the-top kids cartoon villain rather than an abusive real life criminal. Is it just me?
Really late edit after months: its okay for people to have him as a trigger! I think its totally valid to find triggering someone whose main schtick is lying and manipulation. Tbh, i was more concerned on how the character was misrepresented after his first appearance.