The British Broadcasting Corp.’s Huw Edwards was named as the presenter accused of paying a teenager for sexually explicit photographs. He won’t face any criminal charges, the police said.
(Bloomberg) — The British Broadcasting Corp.’s Huw Edwards was named as the presenter accused of paying a teenager for sexually explicit photographs. He won’t face any criminal charges, the police said.
Edwards’ wife, Vicky Flind, made a statement on his behalf that was posted on the BBC’s website Wednesday. He suffers from “serious mental health issues” that have been worsened by the controversy. He’s receiving care in the hospital, where he’ll stay for the foreseeable future, Flind said.
The Sun newspaper reported last week that an unidentified BBC presenter had paid £35,000 ($45,000) for sexually explicit images over a three-year period. The publicly funded BBC confirmed on July 9 that it suspended a male member of staff.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement Wednesday it is dropping an investigation into the matter after finding no evidence of criminality.
“In reaching this decision, they have spoken to a number of parties including the BBC and the alleged complainant and the alleged complainant’s family,” the police said.
The controversy is the latest in a series of crises that have embroiled the century-old BBC’s leadership, sparking a public debate about its influence, standards, independence and funding. British culture secretary Lucy Frazer said she’s spoken to BBC Director General Tim Davie about the actions the corporation is taking over the scandal.
Read More: BBC Chair Resigns After Rule Breach Over Johnson Loan Offer
BBC Chairman Richard Sharp resigned in April after an official inquiry found he breached rules by failing to fully disclose ties to the country’s Conservative Party leadership.
Sharp said at the time his breach was inadvertent and not material, but the episode “may well be a distraction from the corporation’s good work were I to remain in post until the end of my term.”
Earlier this year, ex-England footballer and star presenter Gary Lineker was taken off air for several days after making critical remarks about the government’s policies for asylum seekers, leading to other presenters refusing to broadcast in solidarity.
More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
©2023 Bloomberg L.P.