Nik,

I think this is already way out of the bag and it must be what John intended if not actually wanted for some reason or other.  It's a public act and it's only fair for people to be able to publicly comment on it.  Plus, John's statement is about us and in some ways affects us.  If John were to suddenly say that this is all too much for him or something, that he had no idea we'd comment -- hard to imagine -- I'd be willing to reconsider but, for now, that's my position. 

Actually, I think that the exes here, who really have every right to be angry with John, are being fair and compassionate.  They're also being realistic and insightful.