Edwards asks to not testify in purported sex tape case

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Edwards asks to not testify in purported sex tape case

The Associated Press Published Friday, June 10, 2011 1:39PM EDT

John Edwards leaves the Federal Building in Winston-Salem, N.C., Friday, June 3, 2011. (AP / Chuck Burton)

Text:

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. - Former presidential candidate John Edwards does not want to be deposed this month in a case involving a purported sex tape.

The former senator and two-time White House hopeful 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 the delay to protect his right to a fair trial and against self-incrimination.

Edwards is a witness in a privacy lawsuit that 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.