The BBC has made a bold move to remove former broadcaster Huw Edwards from some of its archive footage after he pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children. According to the Observer, the BBC is starting with family and entertainment content on iPlayer in an effort to protect audiences from repeats of Edwards’ work.
Edwards, who was a main presenter on BBC One’s News at Ten until last year, resigned from the BBC in April citing medical advice. On Wednesday, he admitted to having 41 indecent images of children that were sent to him by another man on WhatsApp.
The removal of certain content includes an episode of Doctor Who featuring Edwards’ voice, as well as a mural of the former newsreader in his home village of Llangennech, Carmarthenshire. Cardiff council has also removed a plaque honoring Edwards at Cardiff Castle.
In a separate development, The Sunday Times revealed that a woman who complained to the BBC about Edwards twice is now having therapy paid for by the corporation. The woman, known as Rachel, had struck up a friendship with Edwards in 2018 over social media, but later complained about his behavior, which she described as “toxic.”
Despite retracting her complaints, the BBC warned Edwards about his behavior and told him to stop contacting Rachel. An investigation into the handling of Rachel’s complaints revealed shortcomings in the BBC’s processes, and the corporation is now paying for her therapy.
The BBC board has requested briefing papers from executives regarding Edwards’ arrest in November and the internal disciplinary process he faced. The corporation remains committed to investigating complaints thoroughly and providing support to those involved.
