Former BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has deleted a newly created social media account with a professional portrait after intense public outrage and criticism from victim groups and MPs. The deletion came hours after the image was posted, as hundreds of angry responses overwhelmed the platform. The controversy has reinforced widespread condemnation of Edwards’s recent online activity. 

 

Edwards, 63, received a six-month suspended prison sentence earlier this year for possessing indecent images of children, including the most serious Category A material. He had posted the professional black-and-white headshot on Facebook, prompting speculation he was attempting to rehabilitate his public image. The account had been open since October before the backlash forced its removal. 

 

 

 

 

Child protection advocates and political figures responded strongly to the image. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said Edwards showed a lack of remorse and should not appear in public life again. Victim groups called the post tone-deaf, and family members of one of Edwards’s victims labelled his actions “insulting” and “shameless.” 

 

Despite condemnation, some individuals engaged with the post before its deletion. More than 400 Facebook users, including former colleagues and academics, liked or commented on Edwards’s portrait, with mixed responses. However, critics argued any positive interaction did not outweigh the broader outrage and concern over his attempt to soften public perception. 

 

Looking ahead, the episode is likely to continue shaping public debate over Edwards’s place in public life and the lasting impact of his conviction. Analysts say critics will monitor any future online activity and its implications for victims and media trust. 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Edwards’s professional portrait post sparked widespread condemnation and was quickly deleted.

 

• Victim advocates and MPs criticised the move as tone-deaf and lacking remorse.

 

• Some supporters engaged with the post, but public outrage dominated the response.

 

Adapted From 

 

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz/huw-edwards

He got a six month suspended sentence, he should have got 10 years in prison, not suspended!

So it was his own account, and not the BBC account as the headline indicates.

21 minutes ago, stevenl said:

So it was his own account, and not the BBC account as the headline indicates.

Correct, the link to the source from where the op is adapted does not implicate the BBC like the op, whose title is set to fit their own agenda.