Edwards Asks Court to Restrict Deposition on Sex Tape

As of Friday, August 13, 2010

Attorneys for former Sen. John Edwards are asking an Orange County court to limit the scope of any deposition in connection with a lawsuit about an alleged sex tape, or to quash it entirely.

According to court documents, Edwards wants questions restricted to what he knows about who owns that tape or about its physical possession or custody of the videotape.

Rielle Hunter, with whom he had an affair and fathered a daughter, is suing Edwards' former friend and aide, Andrew Young, and his wife, Cheri, over a videotape allegedly depicting sex between Hunter and Edwards. The Youngs subpoenaed Edwards to answer questions under oath, and he wants that subpoena quashed or restrictions imposed.

One of Hunter's attorneys is Allison Van Laningham, whose husband, Brad Van Laningham, is a Carthage lawyer.

Edwards grew up in Robbins, where his parents still live. He graduated from North Moore High School. During his two presidential campaigns in 2004 and 2008, Edwards frequently praised the values and ethic of hard work of the people of his Moore County hometown. He was Sen. John Kerry's vice-presidential running mate in 2004.

In asking for this protective order, Edwards wants the court to prevent the Youngs from using his deposition for personal gain.

His motion asks the court to order that the transcript and any videotape of the deposition not be given or distributed to any third persons, limit distribution to the parties and their attorneys "until it is validly used in court proceedings and this court has made it part of the public record."

It further requests the Orange County court order that "in no event can the videotape or transcript be used to the Youngs' economic advantage or to further any other commercial activities by them, including any self-promotional activities, media interviews or appearances or public appearances."

Hunter's suit against the Youngs involves claims for invasion of privacy. One issue is the possession and use of "certain video recordings" of Edwards and Hunter. She claims that the Youngs "wrongfully seized the video and other items" and contends that they sought to use the tape for their own personal and commercial benefit, according to court documents.

The Youngs claim they had a right to inspect her belongings and that the tape in question had been abandoned. As a result, they first said she has no ownership rights in the tape and now claim she never owned the tape. The Youngs say the videotape was really the property of unnamed Edwards campaign organizations, according to court documents.

"This argument necessarily concedes that the (Youngs) have no right to the videotape or ownership interest in it," Edwards' motion says. "Edwards was not present when the disputed tape was seized and/or found by the defendants. Edwards therefore has no relevant firsthand information as to whether the tape was abandoned, was found among the plaintiffs' possessions or was subject to a legitimate claim of ownership by the plaintiff on the date on which the defendants took possession of it."

It is not known when his deposition will take place if the subpoena is not quashed.

Contact John Chappell at jfchappell@gmail.com.

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davidlambert87 1 year, 9 months ago

Isn't there a movie coming out based on Andrew Young's book, THE POLITICIAN? It was a great read.

But, I don't want the videotape released to the public either. Gross.

RmeMP 1 year, 9 months ago

release it! release it! why shouldn't they? every other "famous person" who was foolish enough to make these "videos" are unable to prevent there release - why should good ol' john get to keep his secret?

GeorgiaMan 1 year, 9 months ago

My god who would want to see it - Mr. Prell Head is having sex with Ms. W---e Picture Maker - too gross for mere words to describe

Burn it, Trash it, Destroy It

buddysmith 1 year, 9 months ago

I wish john edwards would just go away, why doesnt he go back to shaking down businesses like he always has? also tired of seeing his ex on talk shows, i dont mean to sound insensitive but tired of all the drama. we get it, he cheated, you are a victim, he is a lying, low down, excuse for a husband and father. will you all please just go away. i do wonder though whatelse will COME OUT, about this guy!

Bflat 1 year, 9 months ago

Oh, but when the tape is released, someone stands to get big bucks off of more books written about Edwards. Enough already. I will never buy the books or look at the movie. Haven't we seen and heard enough about all this supposed scandal? It is a non-issue.

NotSoFast 1 year, 9 months ago

I find it amazon no smart comments from dust or toda. No liberal opinions.

GoldenDreams 1 year, 9 months ago

NotSoFast: I am a moderate liberal and I have no respect for John Edwards nor do I want to see his tape. I also feel very sorry for his family, who must but be terribly embarrassed by this whole thing. But these jerks are on both sides of the aisle. Newt Gingrich's second wife is now talking about his many affairs and his penchant for asking the prospective bride's hand in marriage while he is still married to the previous one. And Newt just converted to Catholocism to please his third wife. I don't think I trust any of these guys!

NotSoFast 1 year, 9 months ago

G Dream I agree no one wants to see that trash tape. I like how you made this about Newt.

clbvpm 1 year, 9 months ago

taxed2deth says... "typo-should have been hair to the throne"

.....Indeed! July 5, 2007 CBS reported he was paying $1250 for a hair cut. I wonder how many hungry children that money would feed. I paid $16 for a cut last week at Wal-Mart and on the way out bought 5 book bags and stuffed them with supplies to donate to the fill the bus campaign. Not patting myself on the back, just saying a champion for the under privileged should do more than speak empty words.

GoldenDreams 1 year, 9 months ago

NotSoFast: I hope I didn't offend you. That wasn't my intention. I was trying to make the point that I'm getting very weary of politicians on both sides of the aisle being so phony and dishonest. Are there any honest, decent ones left any more who care about the average working person?