John Edwards mistress writes book about affair

WASHINGTON — The trial of John Edwards is over, but the public soon will learn more details about his career-ending affair with Rielle Hunter.

Edwards’ former mistress has written a tell-all memoir, to be released June 26.

The book, “What Really Happened: John Edwards, Our Daughter, and Me,” details Hunter’s affair with the former presidential candidate during the 2008 contest that led to an out-of-wedlock birth, campaign finance fraud charges and a high-profile trial.

“The book is a memoir about Ms. Hunter’s life, her relationship with John Edwards and their daughter,” Hunter’s spokeswoman, RoseMarie Terenzio, said Saturday. Hunter had no further comment, Terenzio said.

The book is being released by BenBella Books, said Jennifer Canzoneri, a spokeswoman for the boutique publisher.

The book’s release was first reported by People magazine. “A lot has been said. But no one has heard the truth of what really happened until now,” Glenn Yeffeth, publisher of BenBella Books, told the magazine.

Hunter has not spoken much about the affair in which Edwards fathered a daughter, Frances Quinn Hunter. Edwards at first denied he was the father of the child.

Rielle Hunter gave an interview to GQ magazine in 2010 in which she said she did not want to capitalize on the affair to make money.

“I could have cashed out big. But that’s not what I’m about,” she said, adding that she was not paid for the interview. “I love Johnny and I love my daughter more than anything in the world, and I don’t want to ever do anything to hurt them or hurt their relationship.”

On Thursday, a North Carolina jury found Edwards not guilty on one of the campaign finance fraud charges, and deadlocked on the others, leading the judge to declare a mistrial on the other five counts. Legal experts said a retrial is unlikely.

After the trial Edwards said, “While I do not believe I ever did anything illegal. I’ve done an awful, awful lot that was wrong.”

He also expressed his love for his daughter with Hunter, calling the child, “my precious Quinn.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee proposed his final state budget on Tuesday. It calls for a new wealth tax, an increase in business taxes, along with some programs and a closure of a women’s prison. The plan will be a starting point for state lawmakers in the 2025 legislative session. (Jerry Cornfield / Washington State Standard)
Inslee proposes taxing the wealthy and businesses to close budget gap

His final spending plan calls for raising about $13 billion over four years from additional taxes. Republicans decry the approach.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

2 injured after crane topples into Everett Mall

The crash happened Thursday at a section of the mall under construction

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Stanwood in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Stanwood student’s online threats under investigation from sheriff’s office

Federal authorities discovered the student discussing a school shooting on social media. There is no threat to the student or schools.

Detectives search for suspect in Thursday stabbing of Everett teen

The stabbing of a 13-year-old male happened near North Middle School around 7:45 a.m. Thursday.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.