Man Alleges Former Presenter Huw Edwards Attempted Grooming While He Was a Student

An individual has come forward, accusing former news presenter Huw Edwards of attempting to “groom” him when he was 18 years old and still attending school. The man, now in his early 20s, claims Edwards behaved inappropriately towards him and invited him to the BBC’s London offices during his time as a pupil. He further alleged that Edwards messaged him offers of career assistance, which he now perceives as having a different, more concerning implication. In response, a spokesperson for the BBC stated that “robust safeguarding policies are in place” concerning visits to their premises and assured that any concerns raised would receive careful consideration. The young man, whose identity remains protected at his request, provided Y Byd ar Bedwar, S4C’s current affairs programme, with a collection of messages. These messages reportedly show Edwards addressing him as “babe” and “big boy” and concluding communications with kisses. He also reiterated that the former News at Ten presenter had invited him to the BBC’s London offices. According to the man, Edwards ceased all communication with him shortly after his visit to the BBC premises. The man stated, “I think it’s obvious he was grooming me, trying to pull me in.” He recounted, “I remember him asking me to meet him, then telling me not to worry if I couldn’t, which he followed with a few kisses.” Reflecting on the situation, he added, “I look at this now and think, ‘He’s just playing with me’.” Expressing his sentiments, he continued, “I feel angry about the way he’s treated people and because others have had much worse experiences than me. It’s completely disgusting.” In September, Edwards, aged 63, received a six-month suspended jail sentence at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after admitting guilt to charges of making indecent images of children. His phone was found to contain 41 illegal images of children, among them one depicting a child estimated to be between seven and nine years old. Beti George, a journalist and presenter who has frequently collaborated with Edwards, commented: “Something has happened to Huw. I don’t know what, but the Huw I know or thought I knew would never do something like that. Who in their right mind would do such a thing? There is no justification for it.” A BBC spokesperson issued a statement: “We have been clear that we are appalled by Huw Edwards’ crimes. He has betrayed not just the BBC, but audiences who put their trust in him.” The spokesperson further noted that an independent review of the BBC’s workplace culture, commissioned by the board, is currently in progress. This review aims to address the prevention of power abuse and to ensure all BBC personnel adhere to company values. They concluded by stating, “The BBC has robust safeguarding policies and processes in place and if people contact us directly with concerns we will look at these carefully, in line with our complaints framework.” The producers of Y Byd ar Bedwar made multiple efforts to reach Edwards, but he did not reply to their communications. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC does not assume responsibility for the content of external sites. Details regarding their approach to external linking are available.