Rupert Murdoch’s News UK has reportedly offered a substantial sum of money to the parents who accused Huw Edwards of misconduct in return for a television interview. Sources suggest that the parents have accepted the offer, and the interview is currently being edited for broadcast on TalkTV, a sister station of the Sun. The parents alleged that their 20-year-old child was paid £35,000 by Edwards for explicit pictures. While the police have found no evidence of criminal activity, an internal BBC inquiry is investigating the allegations against Edwards and claims against the News at Ten host.
The Sun initially reported the allegations and led to Edwards’ suspension from his high-paying job at BBC. The tabloid claimed that the parents did not seek payment for bringing forward the accusations, expressing their only wish for their child’s exploitation to stop. However, it has since been revealed that TalkTV, known for paying large sums for interviews, is in contact with the parents regarding a documentary series. The parents have decided to remain anonymous and have not commented on the situation.
The Sun has since scaled back its reporting and announced that it will refrain from further coverage of the topic. They have also clarified that the story was always about concerned parents and not about underage illegal activities, a suggestion they previously made. The young adult at the center of the story has dismissed their parents’ claims of illegal behavior.
The developments regarding the potential TalkTV interviews coincide with BBC News conducting its own investigation into Edwards. Sources suggest that Victoria Derbyshire, host of Newsnight, had been inquiring about allegations against Edwards before the Sun published its initial story. Derbyshire later revealed that Edwards had messaged multiple young BBC employees, including one who still works for the organization. While the BBC’s corporate investigations team is conducting its own inquiry, BBC News journalists are reportedly working on additional potential stories about Edwards.
Criticism has surfaced regarding the BBC’s handling of the situation, with some friends of Edwards expressing anger and disappointment over the coverage. Former BBC journalist Jon Sopel confirmed that he had been in contact with Edwards, who was unsatisfied with the BBC’s handling of the incident. The focus of the story has now shifted to the BBC’s internal investigation, which aims to uncover the facts and assess potential workplace misconduct that may not be criminal. The BBC remains committed to ensuring due process and the well-being of all involved.
