Huw Edwards confirmed as presenter suspended following allegations of paying for sexually explicit images

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Huw Edwards has been revealed the presenter who was suspended from the BBC following alleged payments for sexually explicit images from a 17-year-old.

Since the suspension was announced by the broadcaster July 7, 2023, numerous reports surfaced claiming to identify the person suspended and accused of the crime, though none were confirmed by the BBC.

At least some of the reports named Edwards, who viewers noticed hadn’t been on the air for some time, but other male presenters were suggested as possibilities, prompting some of them to make announcements that they were not, in fact, the accused.

Edwards joined BBC Wales in 1984 and moved to BBC proper in 1994. He has since moved to become the primary presenter for major news coverage at the broadcaster. He also appears on daily newscasts and is well-known in the U.K.

His suspension was confirmed by his wife, Vicky Flind, July 12, 2023.

She also announced that Edwards had spent time in the hospital for a “serious mental health issue.”

“The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he’ll stay for the foreseeable future,” she said in a statement.

She acknowledged Edwards’ public battle with depression.

The charges stemmed from a May 2023 complaint filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl who reported that Edwards allegedly paid £35,000 ($45,000) for sexually explicit photos. However, a later report suggested the teen was only 17 when the alleged contact with Edwards began, suggesting that she may have been 18 by the time any photos exchanged hands. That claim was later denied by her attorney.

In the U.K., sexually explicit images of anyone under the age of 18 are illegal.

Meanwhile, U.K. law enforcement has announced that there is no evidence of a criminal offense in the case opened in May, but another person has come forward with additional claims against Edwards, though no further details were provided.

That case continues to be investigated, with the BBC cooperating with the process.

Edwards himself made no comment, though Flind said he will make a statement when he is healthy enough to do so.

She requested privacy for Edwards and his family. Edwards has four children.