Edwards asks not to testify in sex tape case

By MARTHA WAGGONER
Associated Press

HILLSBOROUGH, NC (AP) — John Edwards does not want to be deposed this month in a case involving a purported sex tape made with his mistress.

The two-time presidential candidate is asking that his scheduled June 20 deposition wait until after criminal proceedings against him conclude.

Edwards says in court papers filed Thursday that he wants a stay to protect his right to a fair trial and against self-incrimination.

Edwards is a witness in a privacy lawsuit mistress Rielle Hunter filed against former Edwards campaign aide Andrew Young. Hunter contends Young improperly took what is believed to be a sex tape that includes Edwards.

Edwards is charged with improperly using campaign money to keep Hunter out of the public eye as he pursued the White House. He says he is innocent.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)