January 21, 2010
John Edwards Admits, 'I am Quinn's Father'
Former Senator John Edwards released a statement to NBC News saying, "I am Quinn's father. 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."
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In August 2008, Edwards publicly admitted to an affair with Rielle Hunter, his campaign videographer, but continued to deny that he was the father of Frances Quinn.
Today he is retracting that statement and apologizing for the mess he made. "It was wrong for me ever to deny she was my daughter and hopefully one day, when she understands, she will forgive me... I am truly sorry."
A new book, "The Politician," by another former Edwards aide, Andrew Young, is coming out Feb. 2. Young initially claimed (before the 2008 primaries) that he was Quinn's father. The book covers the paternity scandal in detail.
A rep told NBC that Edwards is now admitting paternity, not to bring attention to himself or his family, but to start the process of putting this behind him.
Edwards and his wife Elizabeth are currently separated.
