Huw Edwards allegations divide media
The Sun first published a story about an unnamed BBC presenter who was alleged to have paid over £35,000 for explicit photos over 3 years. The mother of the child claimed they were 17 at the time, raising concerns of legality. Huw Edwards was named as the presenter by his wife, who says he is currently “receiving in-patient hospital care” for “suffering from serious mental health issues”.
The BBC paused its own investigation as police services carried out its own enquiries. The Met Police and South Wales Police both announced on Thursday that there was no evidence to suggest that any criminal offences had been committed, and the BBC has since resumed its investigation. A lawyer for the young person involved has denied the mother’s allegations to the Sun, saying they are “rubbish” and “nothing inappropriate or unlawful has taken place”.
Since then, further allegations have surfaced including claims Edwards sending a BBC staff member “inappropriate messages”, as the BBC has urged staff with any concerns to come forward in their investigation.
BBC Newsnight host Victoria Derbyshire said she spoke to one person who previously worked at the organisation. ‘This person told me they had never met the newsreader, this person said that they had received late night messages on social media including kisses from Huw Edwards, which they said they believed was an abuse of power.’
Media outlets have been speculating and questioning, and are seemingly divided along predictable left/right lines as the story continues to unfold, with the left appearing more sympathetic as more facts come to light, and right wing tabloids continuing to attack Edwards and the left-wing press. Many media outlets are also concerned about the ‘double-standard’ of coverage compared to other accused presenters such as Phillip Schofield, as well as questioning the tabloid frenzy following The Sun’s story.
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- Exaggerated and made up.
FAMILY IN PAIN: When I met parents of youngster at centre of Huw Edwards scandal they were consumed by fear and injustice
Header via BBC.
