I think a lot of modern woman does not understand man prospective.
To a righteous man, an extended family is equally as important as family.
This has been deep rooted in man belief since ancient times where extended family banner man are called to arms in time of war.
That is why there are so many inter family marriage.
Modern woman seems to think that once a man married them, they own the man. Sadly this is a reality of current liberal age. In fact is the opposite in the past, a woman married into a family, she essentially have to side with the said family. That is why in the bible the woman have to be submissive.
Colossians 3:18- Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Now the above is not an excuse or justification for what he said, I'm merely explaining his mentality.
There is no right or wrong but to call for divorce over small issue like this, speak badly too.