I don't think he really does have that right. He might want it. It might be a path toward a less antagonistic relationship. But he doesn't have a right to anything of the sort.

If he wants to try to apologize, or explain himself, or ask that she not speak about certain aspects of the relationship, I think he can do that with an email, or if he really wants to use a more direct form of communication make the request in a more pleasant manner. But no one is obligated to communicate with someone about an issue they might have, especially someone who's been very hurtful to them previously.