Huw Edwards has spoken out for the first time since receiving a suspended sentence for accessing child abuse images.
The disgraced former BBC news executive has released a statement criticizing an upcoming drama about his downfall, which will premiere on the Paramount 5-owned network on Tuesday.
Published by The Daily MailEdwards said the team is behind Power: The Fall of Huw Edwards He “made no effort” to confirm the story of the two-part drama before shooting. Martin Clunes (Doctor Martin) plays a former BBC newsreader in the series.
Edwards also revealed that he planned to tell his side of the story, which catapulted him to become the UK’s best-known journalist, before allegations of professional misconduct and a pornography conviction tarnished his reputation.
A spokesperson for 5 said the Wonderhood-produced drama is based on multiple interviews, will comply with UK broadcasting regulations, and that the allegations were raised against Edwards more than a month before the transfer.
In his statement, Edwards said: “[They] made no attempt to question the authenticity of any part of their narrative before proceeding with the production.
“They have asked for a response after the drama, while they reserve the right to organize any such response. They have also refused to reveal whether any of the alleged perpetrators have been paid for their contributions. Channel 5’s ‘true drama’ is unlikely to reveal the truth of what happened.”
He continued: “My deep regret and remorse for the crimes I committed were expressed in court. In pleading guilty as soon as possible, I took full responsibility for my guilty actions. I am offended by the idea that some people enjoy viewing child pornography. Every image represents an innocent victim. I sincerely and deeply apologize for what I have done.”
“I am making an effort to reveal my own history of these terrible events. This is a slow process, given the fragile state of my life. I have been open about my struggle with persistent mental illness for 25 years. What is not widely known is the seriousness of that condition, which was successfully controlled until the breakdown of fitness that led to the fatal outcome.”
“Mental illnesses are misunderstood by many, but they will never be an excuse for crime.” Well, at least it would help explain why people sometimes behave in shocking and shameful ways, and why things fell apart for me the way they did.
Edwards is said to have paid a teenager at the BBC for pornographic images, then pleaded guilty to making child pornography. In September 2024, he received a six-month suspended sentence and apologized for the “disgusting” nature of his crimes. Edwards was also ordered to undergo sex offender rehabilitation and placed on the sex offender registry for seven years.
Spokesman 5 said: “Power: The Fall of Huw Edwards is based on numerous interviews with the victim, her family, reporters who covered her story, text exchanges between the victim and Edwards, and court reporting. Produced in accordance with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code. All the allegations made in this film were put to Huw Edwards by his lawyers 6 weeks before the transfer. “
