Breaking News: John Edwards Admits He's the Father of Mistress' Daughter
Credit: Will Ragozzino/Getty Images; INFphoto.com
John Edwards is coming clean. The politician has finally admitted that he is the father of Frances Quinn -- the two-year old daughter of Rielle Hunter, a campaign videographer with whom the married Edwards had an affair.
The former North Carolina senator and Democratic presidential candidate released a statement to NBC's Today Show acknowledging his paternity, and his commitment to supporting the young girl, known as Quinn.
Look back on these shocking extramarital affairs of the rich and famous
"I am Quinn's father," the confession begins. "I will do everything in my power to provide her with the love and support she deserves. I have been able to spend time with her during the past year and trust that future efforts to show her the love and affection she deserves can be done privately and in peace."
Edwards, 56, has been married to Elizabeth Edwards for nearly 33 years. The couple had four children together; their eldest, son Wade, died tragically in a 1996 car accident. In August 2008, Edwards admitted his extramarital affair with Hunter (whom he met while campaigning for a 2008 presidential bid), but consistently denied being the father of her child.
Remember these high-profile controversies?
Edwards' statement continues: "It was wrong for me ever to deny she was my daughter and hopefully one day, when she understands, she will forgive me. I have been providing financial support for Quinn and have reached an agreement with her mother to continue providing support in the future. To all those I have disappointed and hurt these words will never be enough, but I am truly sorry."
Recap these memorable famiy battles
The fallen politician has no plans to speak publicly today; NBC News points out that he is under investigation for spending campaign funds to cover up the affair, an accusation he has denied.
Check out the rest of today's news photos
A rep told NBC that that Edwards privately acknowledged Quinn as his daughter long ago, but waited to make it public to protect his family. "He's not doing this as a way to try to bring attention to himself...He's doing this as a way...to begin to put this behind, not just him, but everybody else who's been affected by this."
Tell Us What You Think
138A LOT OF MEN LEAVE BITC** WOMEN LIKE FAKE KHATE GOSSELIN BUT THIS PIG STAYED AND LIED TO HIS SICK WIFE!!
He must be a happy, happy man. He's rid of a wife of 33 years, ready to start all over again. Had an exciting romp with a mistress who he is well rid of. Living the dream of every 50 year-old man on the planet. He'll date around for a while and then marry again to a perky 19 yo beauty who will adore him. Old John will continue to live a charmed life - die of old age at 90, thinking what a good life he has had, full of pleasure, adventure and incredible good fortune for him. The world is his oyster, along with all men with money, power and influence. I wonder what this all means in a spiritual sense. Why is one person so fortunate and other's suffer? Just thinking, anyone have a thought?
I'll never forget an interview of Elizabeth Edwards when John's affair had been exposed and she said the one thing she had asked of him for a wedding gift years ago was that he be faithful to her. One thing, John. Not riches, not prestige, not material possessions. She asked for your fidelity.
a dog is a dog what can I say
Edwards is a has-been politician who got caught with his pants down. I would feel sorry for his wife, but since she didn't kick his sorry a$$ out of her house for cheating on her, she seems to deserve him.
Philanderers for sure!
i was out bowling here in wilminton, nc this week and he was out with his family. seemed glad to take a photo with the girls in our party. last week a friend saw him at a local coffeeshop hanging out with a young blonde on a couch for an hour.
He is just a PIG like 97% of the rest of the men in the world. They have two heads and only one can work at a time.
He'll be tormented for the rest of his life. Extreme stress makes people do weird things. It doesn't excuse Mr. Edwards one bit but I am sure he's suffering enough from his own conscience.
how sad. one day this little girl will get to read about how her mother slept with a married man who fathered her then denied it for the first 2 years of her life. SAD!!!!!
He is such an A==. No one on the face of the earth ever believed his lying mouth that he was not the father. He is a low life, self centered man who makes me sick. I pity his wife and children. To think he felt that he should be president. When will men learn to think with their head and not what is between their legs. Stupid, stupid men.
Which is better to have in office? Philanderers or war mongers?
I meant to say "illegitimate issue." (Not issued.) Thank God he did not become our vice president or president.
I hope that Elizabeth Edwards never has to deal in person with her cheating husband's illegitimate issued. That would be like rubbing salt in her wounds.
Big Deal. Ya know ? Wanna know something funny? As soon as Edwads came on to the Media Scene when he ran with John Kerry..I looked at him and said to myself..a couple of things.. a) He's young and good lookin...younger than most the people he competes with at least.. for the Presidential or Vice Presidential bid.. and b) Watch.. it will be JFK/Marilyn Monroe all over a gain.. He'll sooner or later mess around behind his wife/family's back.. AND ? Well ? I WAS RIGHT !!! I respect Elizabeth Edwards.. but John is just a gigantic PIG. Pff.. Politicians..who can trust them ?
It's a sad situation for all but I think it's good for him to aknowledge the little girl because it is not her fault this all happened.
What an @ss
SSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOO glad he didn't become our President. God bless his wife and give her the strength to get through this media circus in her weakened state.
"Ang at 3:50 - Get off your high horse about Democrats- Rush Limbaugh has been married 5 times - has done so many drugs he blew off his EARS!!! Mark Sanford? Hello! Bill O'Reilly? Hello? He scr*ws around with interns. Repubs are hypocrites" Need to get something of your chest or are you just an a**hole?
He is just awful for cheating on his dying wife. Whatever happened to 'for better or worse'? And everyone knew it was his kid, it just took him forever to admit it.