The John Edwards trial began on Monday of this week involving $1 million in campaign funds used to cover up his affair with mistress Rielle Hunter, who was pregnant with his daughter at the time of his presidential campaign. Below is a timeline of how the Edwards situation reached the point of a trial.
Oct. 10, 2007: The National Enquirer first published a report about the affair but did not release the name of Edwards’ mistress. A spokesperson for Edwards labeled the claims as ‘false, absolute nonsense.’
Oct. 11, 2007: “The story is false. It’s completely untrue, ridiculous,” Edwards said.
Oct. 22, 2007: It was reported by the National Enquirer that Edwards has been involved with his campaign staff videographer, Rielle Hunter.
Dec. 12, 2007: Hunter, who is pregnant, told the National Enquirer that she is pregnant with Andrew Young’s baby. Young is a longtime aide for Edwards. “This has no relationship to nor does it involve John Edwards in any way,” Rielle said.
Dec. 31, 2007: It is reported by the National Enquirer that a massive coverup is active in order to keep the senator from being chastised in the media and the public during his campaign.
Jan. 30, 2008: Edwards decides to end his candidacy for the White House.
July 22, 2008: Reporters and photographers from the National Enquirer catch Edwards leaving the Beverly Hilton at 2:40 a.m. after he visited Hunter and their daughter.
July 23, 2008: “I don’t talk about these tabloids. They’re tabloid trash and just full of lies,” Edwards said while in Houston.
Aug. 8, 2008: While speaking with Bob Woodruff from ABC News, Edwards admits to the affair and said that his success in politics “fed a self-focus, an egotism, a narcissism that leads you to believe that you can do whatever you want.” Edwards goes on to deny that the baby belongs to him.
Aug. 6, 2009: In front of a grand jury, Hunter testifies about her affair with Edwards.
Jan. 21, 2010: Edwards finally decides to tell the truth about Hunter’s daughter and how he is the father. “It was wrong for me ever to deny she was my daughter, and, hopefully, one day, when she understands, she will forgive me,” Edwards said.
Jan. 27, 2010: It hits the news that Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, are now separated.
Jan. 28, 2010: ABC News’ Bob Woodruff is told by Young that he is in possession of a sex tape produced by Edwards and Hunter prior to the caucuses in Iowa.
Dec. 7, 2010: Edwards’ wife, Elizabeth, passes away from cancer.
June 3, 2011: Indictments for six crimes are handed down to Edwards including conspiring to violate campaign finance laws.
Feb. 23, 2012: A civil case between Young and Hunter is finally settled. Hunter wins the case and is declared the owner of the sex tape, which is ordered to be destroyed by the court.
April 23, 2012: The trial for Edwards begins after numerous delays, one of which being a ‘life-threatening’ medical condition.