British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the venerable UK-based media outlet, has found itself in hot waters after one of its top personalities was at the receiving end of grave allegations. As the BBC started its internal investigation, a frenzy of speculation erupted on social media as to who the figure in question could be. On Wednesday, it was confirmed to be news anchor Huw Edwards in a statement released by his wife, Vicky Flind, with whom he has five children.
The BBC scandal started after a story in the newspaper, The Sun, last Friday reported about "a BBC presenter" who allegedly paid £35,000 (₹39,30,000) to a minor for explicit photos. Further details alleged the minor went on to use the proceeds to buy crack cocaine, and the story was revealed when the parents of the minor in question shared online bank statements showing deposits from the presenter.
Flind's statement responded to the accusations and highlighted that Edwards was suffering from "serious mental issues" as a result, and was receiving inpatient care.
Welsh-born Huw Edwards, the child of a professor of literature, began his career with the BBC as a trainee in 1984. Before that, he graduated from Cardiff University and started his career at Swansea Sound Radio Station. He metamorphosed into one of the BBC's most beloved faces, over his long career with the institution.
Edwards presented the BBC's flagship programme "News at 10" and was the fourth-highest-paid presenter, earning £435,000 a year. Widely seen as the calm voice of the nation, in addition to hosting the nightly news, Edwards became the presenter the nation listened to whenever a crisis arose. He would announce the Queen's death, cover the coronation of King Charles III and cover the late Queen's diamond and platinum jubilees. In 2019, Edwards also became the main host of BBC's election coverage.
Alongside being a presence as the 'calm voice in times of crisis', Edwards presented a number of documentaries for the BBC and also made a brief cameo in the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall. Edwards is known to have often touched upon his mental health struggles throughout his career as again highlighted by his wife noted in the statement revealing his identity.
However, while the BBC opened its own internal investigation, Scotland Yard found no substance in the allegations. It was later revealed that the young person's lawyer had also rubbished the allegations when approached by The Sun, paving the part for Edwards to open a massive libel case and save his public image.
