Media outlets urge access in Edwards sex tape case

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Attorneys for media outlets asked a North Carolina judge on Friday to pull back the cloak of privacy that has allowed records to be kept secret in a lawsuit filed by the mistress of former presidential candidate John Edwards.

On Friday, a judge in Raleigh listened to lawyers on issues in the lawsuit Edwards’ mistress Rielle Hunter filed against former campaign aide Andrew Young.

Media attorney Nathan Siegel says Hunter and Young are trying to fight their court battle in privacy far greater than allowed the average person.

“Motion after motion has been filed under seal. We think it’s time to step back. Siegel said. “This isn’t just an ordinary privacy case. ... This is about the demise of a presidential campaign.”

Hunter wants a sex tape and other items returned to her. Young said Hunter left them behind after leaving a hideout they shared while covering up Edwards’ affair during the 2008 presidential campaign.

Media outlets including The Associated Press are not seeking access to the videotape but want details of the former North Carolina senator’s deposition in the case. A judge had ordered all involved in the lawsuit to keep Edwards’ testimony private.