The Facts
The BBC presenter accused of purchasing sexually explicit images from a teenager under the age of 18 has been identified as longtime news anchor Huw Edwards, according to a statement released on Wednesday by his wife, Vicky Flind.
The statement came shortly after London's Metropolitan Police determined that no crime had been committed by Edwards. Flind says that Edwards is currently being hospitalized for "serious mental health issues," where he will remain "for the foreseeable future."
The Spin
Narrative A
It's becoming more apparent that The Sun's allegations against Edwards are less scandalous than what it had led us to believe, moving from a criminal matter to a private, family one. Its reckless and incendiary reporting smeared a public figure as being a procurer of child pornography, an accusation much more serious than infidelity. The normally pugnacious outlet has found itself backtracking over this story and could now be open to legal action over the libelous claim.
Narrative B
Even if the accusation of procuring explicit images from a minor is untrue, Edwards has still breached the trust of the British public. A wealthy and powerful man has likely pursued sexual relationships with vulnerable young people in exchange for vast sums of money, which goes beyond a mere extramarital affair. More allegations of misconduct are emerging, and while Edwards might be legally absolved, he certainly isn't morally absolved. The public deserved better from the BBC.
