Disgraced former BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards has launched a Substack newsletter, prompting widespread criticism for what many see as an attempt to rehabilitate his image without fully taking accountability for his crimes. Edwards pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children and received a suspended sentence, but has refused to repay approximately £200,000 of his BBC salary earned between his arrest in November 2023 and his resignation in April 2024.
Newsletter Content Draws Fire
In his inaugural newsletter titled “On Remorse” on June 27, 2026, Edwards insisted that “important parts” of his statement ahead of a Channel 5 drama about the scandal were not reported. He expressed “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes, stating he took “full responsibility” and that his apologies do “not diminish with time.” However, critics note that he immediately attributed his actions to “persistent mental illness,” writing that “the downward spiral that followed led to an appalling outcome.”
Jess Phillips, Showbiz Editor, described this framing as “disgusting,” arguing that “it was not mental illness that led to Edwards receiving images of child abuse.” She added, “There is no evidence of him taking accountability here – to do so would likely mean he has to admit his time in the public eye is over for good.”
Financial Concerns
Edwards’ Substack offers subscribers the option to pledge financial support, with default amounts of $80 per year, $8 per month, or $150 per year. Although he does not currently charge and says there are “no plans” to do so, he already has 765 followers. Phillips expressed dismay that the public might donate to someone who earned between £475,000 and £479,999 annually at the BBC – more than most people earn in 12 years based on the average UK salary of £39,000 – while knowingly receiving indecent images of children.
Edwards claims he wants to “make a positive contribution” through the newsletter, but Phillips countered: “The only positive contribution Edwards can make now is disappearing from public life altogether and making amends quietly by working on himself.”
