Jon Sopel, a former BBC journalist, has condemned Huw Edwards’ actions as “absolutely abhorrent.” Despite their long-standing professional relationship, Sopel clarified that they “weren’t mates.” Edwards, who achieved significant career milestones, including announcing the Queen’s death, received a suspended prison sentence for accessing 41 indecent images of children earlier this month.
Sopel, who concluded his extensive BBC career as the North America editor, initially defended Edwards when allegations of misconduct arose, unaware of the criminal implications. Speaking to The Guardian, Sopel explained his initial stance: “I’ve known Huw a long time, but we weren’t mates, hadn’t seen each other socially.”
Reflecting on his thoughts at the time, Sopel said, “the police came out and said there was nothing to it.” He added, “I thought, if there’s nothing to it and he sent a couple of inappropriate texts, he’s just got a complicated private life.”
meanwhile…Here is Jon Sopel on News at Ten saying the allegations against Huw Edwards “Are not much.” pic.twitter.com/JB188bQWgZ
— Midge&Zip&Jules (@ZipMidge) July 29, 2024
Reports indicate Sopel was shocked by Edwards’ conviction, describing the criminal acts as “absolutely abhorrent.” He firmly stated, “I’m not going to defend anything that he’s done.”
After leaving his role as the BBC’s North America editor in 2021 and departing the BBC in 2022, Sopel now co-hosts The News Agents podcast with Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall. His remarks come as he promotes his latest book, Strangeland: How Britain Stopped Making Sense.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Guardian discusses Jon Sopel’s podcast, The News Agents, and his perspective on Huw Edwards’ scandal, highlighting Sopel’s defense and subsequent condemnation of Edwards’ actions.(read more)
- The Guardian highlights how Huw Edwards’ scandal underscores the BBC’s failure to address power disparities and preferential treatment, despite past lessons from Jimmy Savile and others.(read more)
- The Guardian reports Huw Edwards, a former BBC presenter, received a six-month suspended sentence for accessing indecent images of children, citing psychological distress and vulnerability.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Jon Sopel say about Huw Edwards’ offences?
Jon Sopel called Huw Edwards’ offences ‘absolutely abhorrent.’
Were Jon Sopel and Huw Edwards close friends?
No, Jon Sopel said they ‘weren’t mates’ and didn’t see each other socially.
Why did Jon Sopel initially defend Huw Edwards?
Sopel initially defended Edwards because he thought the allegations were just about inappropriate texts.
What changed Jon Sopel’s view on Huw Edwards’ actions?
Sopel changed his view upon learning about Edwards’ criminal conviction for accessing child images.
What is Jon Sopel doing now after leaving the BBC?
Jon Sopel is co-hosting The News Agents podcast and has released a book, Strangeland.
