Who Is BBC’s Huw Edwards? Anchor Who Allegedly Paid For Explicit Teen Photos Is Major Network Figure

Topline

Well-known BBC figure Huw Edwards was named as the network presenter who allegedly paid for sexually explicit images from a teenager, according to a statement released by his wife Wednesday, after days of speculation about the identity of a suspended BBC employee with multiple misconduct allegations.

Key Facts

News Peg

Last week, the Sun tabloid reported a mother claimed an unnamed BBC “star” paid her 17-year-old child $45,000 for explicit photos, and then the teen used that money to “destroy” their life by buying crack cocaine. The Sun reported the broadcaster’s corporate investigations team looked into the allegations when the family first alerted the BBC about them in May. The investigation was then stalled, the BBC said, after the broadcaster could not reach the family for more information. But since the Sun ran the initial story, the alleged victim—who remains unnamed—has said the claims were “totally wrong” and said they contacted the Sun to refute the “rubbish” accusations. The Sun published another article saying the parents stand by their claims and have given the newspaper sworn affidavits. On Tuesday, the BBC said another person had come forward with allegations against a BBC employee, accusing the then-unnamed BBC presenter of “menacing and bullying behavior.”

Key Background

Edwards, 61, is an well-respected, long-time BBC anchor who has been compared to Walter Cronkite for his steady and calm on-air demeanor, particularly when discussing breaking news events. Edwards, for example, was the broadcaster tasked with announcing the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death. The Washington Post reported Edwards wasn’t even on duty the day she died but he was “tracked down at a barbershop” and told to be ready to get on air to share the news of the monarch’s passing. Edwards was the only U.K. reporter given an interview with then-President Barack Obama before the U.K.’s Brexit vote. He’s also been the voice behind multiple royal weddings, the queen’s funeral and King Charles III’s coronation. Before the scandal came to light, Edwards hosted a 10 p.m. broadcast on the BBC every evening. In his personal life, Edwards has spoken out about his struggle with depression. He told the Daily Telegraph in 2021 that because of his depression he “couldn’t get out of bed” and he “didn’t want to speak to anybody.” Adding that he struggled to “maintain a public image” while experiencing depression.

Chief Critic

The scandal has dominated British news. The BBC has kept a live blog updating its readers on every twist and turn of the story. Even Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a statement on the story earlier this week, calling the allegations “shocking” and “concerning.”

Big Number

$571,000. That’s how much Edwards makes a year at the BBC, making him one of the highest paid presenters, according to the BBC’s annual report.

Further Reading

Here’s What We Know About BBC’s Alleged Sexual Abuse Scandal—As Another Accuser Comes Forward (Forbes)