Get To Know Piers Morgan

READ about Piers Morgan's long career in journalism here.

Thank You

Thank you for watching "Piers Morgan Live" over the years. See below for your favorite memories from 2011-2014.
June 28th, 2012
12:29 PM ET

Rielle Hunter on John Edwards' mental state and her graceless comments about Elizabeth

On Wednesday, "Piers Morgan Tonight" welcomed Rielle Hunter for a remarkably candid and revealing conversation, as the 48-year-old shared intimate details of her affair with former presidential candidate John Edwards.

Joining Piers Morgan face to face in a cable television exclusive, Hunter provides insight on Edwards' mental state during their relationship:

"I don't think he was in his right mind," she suggested. "Once he got caught at the Beverly Hills Hilton in 2008, he was very strange for about a month because his double life had been exposed. It was difficult. He was all over the place. He was temporarily insane."

Since recently writing her book, "What Really Happened: John Edwards, Our Daughter, and Me," Hunter has received voluminous criticism, particularly for various references to Edwards' late wife, Elizabeth, who passed away from breast cancer in 2010.

"A lot of the flak you've been getting is because of some of these descriptive phrases you've used in connection or in a round about way about Elizabeth," stated Morgan. "Do you regret now putting this stuff in, given the way the media has latched on to it. Do you accept that when somebody is dead and can't answer back, it looks graceless?"

"I accept it looks graceless, yes," allowed the guest. "My intention is not to bash Elizabeth Edwards. It's never my intention. My intention was to tell the truth of the story for the six years that I saw it through my eyes. I saw Elizabeth through the eyes of John Edwards."

Watch the clips, and listen to the interview, as Hunter provides her perspective on one of the most polarizing extramarital affairs in modern American history.
-–
» Follow Piers Morgan Tonight on Twitter

soundoff (34 Responses)
  1. Marilyn

    I'm sure John Edwards is totally embarassed by Rielle's tell all book and her interviews on TV – It's an embarrassment for his children as well – Every interview she gives dredges up all his lies that I'm sure he wanted get passed – As Rielle used very poor judgment, I'll bet he wants to remove himself from her as soon as possible –

    June 28, 2012 at 1:31 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Claudia

    Everyone presumes to know what really goes on in a marriage and the only people that know are the two involved. Considering that 2 out 3 men cheat and that women are not far off those stats not to mention that most marriages end in divorce I am so surprised at the enphasis placed on the fact that this man cheated.

    Who knows why.....things happen in life that you cannot explain, you can go through life and it happens one day that you meet someone that changes everything that you once believed about yourself. The idea of leaving your marriage is not an option because you love your spouse but cannot explain why your feelings develope for someone else. You can love two people at the same time. Marriage, children, extended family, friends all are intertwided and when something happens all are affected tragically therefore this secret is kept. No one wants to hurt the other but life is short and there are worst things than loving someone.

    I feel that we need to stop pointing fingers and stop being so black and white. Life is not black and white there is a huge amount of gray. How one felt at 20 years of age is not how one feels at 30 or 40 or 50 for that matter.

    There is a difference between a cronic cheater and someone who truly loves. So be careful when pointing fingers and passing judgement. Good people sometimes do things that are considered bad.

    I have not read Rielle's book but I believe that all parties behaved out fear and desperation. I have no doubt that if done again they would have behaved differently. However, if there is love the outcome would have been the same.

    June 28, 2012 at 1:39 pm | Report abuse | Reply
    • Theresa

      If she would have kept her mouth shut and not said "You're so hot" the liklihood is that the affair would never have started in the first place....and...having said that (literally)....what was the intention of both parties when she was invited and accepted the invitation to his hotel room?

      June 28, 2012 at 5:49 pm | Report abuse | Reply
      • Martina

        presumably when she said "you're hot" she was not in love yet

        July 1, 2012 at 11:46 am | Report abuse |
    • Ellen

      Very well spoken. The things you say are quite true. Things are gray and one can fall in love and do something that he or she thought they would never do. Especially as you age, as you so eloquently write. I agree those who throw stones at this may find themselves in the middle of it themselves, especially those who do not make a practice of extra marital affairs.
      Thanks for your words.

      June 29, 2012 at 3:57 pm | Report abuse | Reply
    • Martina

      If they were in love then why did he deny being the father of the baby and why renew you wedding wows? Also it's worth noting that when asked, Rielle said the only thing she would do differently (or that she regrets) is the cover up of the pregnancy . For all I care they can have 20 children and live happily ever after, what makes me sick is that these two made hell out of the life of a woman who had little time remaining has suffered more than her fair share; that was not unintentional or an accident. Also she talks about Elizabeth as if she knew her and as if she is an authority on their marriage; that's arrogant, ignorant and self serving.

      July 1, 2012 at 12:02 pm | Report abuse | Reply
    • Lucida

      "Claudia,"
      I, regrettably, did read Rielle Hunter's book in a vain attempt to give her a chance. Oddly enough, the only one supporting her in these comments (you) uses words and phrases that are taken straight from her vernacular such as "there was love", and how Edwards was acting from fear and desperation, and "changes everything you believe about yourself" (the opening intro to Rielles book), and finally excusing the lies by saying they were trying not to hurt anyone. Very interesting indeed that a person who didn't read the book is defending Rielle by using phrases that can be found everywhere. In fact the whole writing style of your post is so darn familiar. Where oh where have I seen it before? I hope that Rielle stops using Quinn, period. As a meal ticket, as a way to keep herself relevant, as a tool to manipulate the Edwards family...

      July 4, 2012 at 7:54 am | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Catherine

    Evil is evil and this is one time that most people in this country recognize it for what it is. Elizabeth and John Edwards children will be damaged by this for the rest of thier lives. I know because I also had a beautiful mother who was a person of integrity. We lived in a small town and my father had a scandalous affair with a woman who was self centered and devoid of character and conscience. He left my mother devastated and alone to raise four children. I was eight years old at the time. I am now in my sixties and to this day I feel the immense hurt and betrayal by the knowledge that he sacrificed all of us for "the other woman". It stays with you your entire life. Years later he realized that he had made a mistake that ruined his life. We were all grown by then. My mother maintained her dignity and set such a wonderful example of "how to live" for her children. She is still the most beautiful woman in her eighties. He missed the opportunity to spend his life with a woman of integrity and so did John Edwards. We all love John and Elizabeth Edwards children and hope and pray that they will come out of this with as little damage as possible. Catherine

    June 28, 2012 at 3:08 pm | Report abuse | Reply
    • Martina

      now that was nice, thank you for sharing

      July 1, 2012 at 12:07 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  4. ann nichols

    I generally enjoy watching the Piers Morgan show, however, i do believe that dignifying Ms. Rielle Hunter with a guest appearance was lacking in both taste and professionalism. I think that most viewers would like to put that sordid affair behind us.

    June 28, 2012 at 3:14 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Anne Marie

    Rielle Hunter seems to have a need to continually bring attention to the story of her and John Edwards, yet each time Piers asked her a question, she basically stared into space, repeated the question and had nothing to say. When asked why she wrote the book, she said "because I want my daughter to know the truth". OK. So why don't you just tell her? Seriously, aren't we done with her yet?

    June 28, 2012 at 6:04 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Kay

    When John Edwards stood outside the courtroom after his acquittal, he professed his love for his"precious Quinn".Never did he acknowledge the constant support from his aged parents and his daughter, Cate. That was abominable to me. He and Rielle have this in common...both are very selfish, self- centered people.

    June 28, 2012 at 7:59 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  7. mmh

    Piers: Your interview last night with Rielle Hunger was one of the best you've ever done. Too many times I end up turning you off because of your tendency to interrupt and talk over people just as they are about to REALLY answer your question/s. So frustrating, because you are able to ask the really tough questions, just as you did, par excellence, with Rielle. (Should she have been on your show at all? Probably not, but that's another topic.) Last night, I appreciated the pace at which you went through the interview, letting her "dangle" with her blank looks and silly efforts to avoid providing any answer whatsoever, as well as your patient, professional, but RELENTLESS holding of her feet to the fire! It was the BEST!! I especially enjoyed watching you ask about their (non) use of birth control the ENTIRE time they were together. Rielle is unbelieveable (and I don't mean that in a complimentary way). She tells us she's 43 yrs old, but was – and still is – acting like an irresponsible, giddy teenager. Or possibly just someone who is trying desperately to grab a bit of fame and fortune. I think her only interest at this point is to remain in the public eye, and you have helped us all see what we've suspected all along any way. I just feel sorry for her poor little daughter, who will be impacted negatively by this in the long run. Good job, Piers!

    June 28, 2012 at 9:57 pm | Report abuse | Reply
    • ann

      can' agree more... thought it was the best part of the show. It showed what kind of woman would engage in a relationship like this one.... it was so great to watch her squirm.

      June 29, 2012 at 6:38 am | Report abuse | Reply
  8. Vicki

    What goes around comes around...watch out Rielle....you'll get your comeuppance...

    June 28, 2012 at 10:13 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  9. Gloria

    can believe you did not use my comments. Spoiled brats.

    June 28, 2012 at 10:28 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Tim from Missouri

    Dude!!!!!

    What are you thinking? All was well great shows, last night, tonight, then you went way the f off track with this wedding ring thing? you looked pretty unhappy about it.... it was total BS.... it was like a commercial!!! It is a totally unnecessary thing.... we all wear wedding rings, they make a mark on on our finger. A woman that wants to cross that bridge does not care, or even is turned on by that bridge. A ring that spells it out for them is just plain stupid.... STUPID!! and for you to present this as a credible product makes you seem in the same category.

    I don't even post on things, but you are such a class act and a formidable commentarian, this totally undermines you credibility. Don't go there. I need you. WE need you. Stay Free from Influence.

    tim

    June 29, 2012 at 1:10 am | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Fred

    I thought that this interview with Rielle was a totally unnecessary one and simPly allowed her to show up, sell a few more books, and leave without responding with any meaningful answers. If she doesn't like the media so much, why is she hypocritallly using the media to further her book tour. It the show had invited any other guest, I still would have watched. So no need to bring on such a poor interviewee just for ratings.

    June 29, 2012 at 7:13 am | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Adevilson Silva

    I am here only because, just like you, I envy Edwards. I also wanted to do her.

    June 29, 2012 at 12:43 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Nancy Schmidt

    If John Edward subjects his family, or himself, to any more of Rielle Hunter – Cate Edwards needs to get custody of the younger two children. And John Edwards needs to be hauled off in a straight jacket. What doesn't he get about Rielle Hunter who destroyed his entire world. Not only did she destroy him, but she destroyed his children's home. This is just sick. Rielle Hunter is a selfish, toxic, psychopath. It's all about her and Quinn. And his other children, she destroys. The harsh book she wrote to "set the record straight" about how much of a monster John Edwards children's mother was – is appalling. Rielle Hunter has been using little Quinn to almost blackmail John Edwards. Enough is enough. John Edwards should continue to financially support his daughter – but should have no interaction with Rielle Hunter. A third party should transport Quinn to her father. Rielle Hunter is a cancer to the Edwards family. They can no longer pretend that she isn't. John Edwards has been a complete jerk, but the last word should have been HIS word at the court yard steps. Instead, Rielle Hunter cut off his penis ONCE AGAIN and dragged his family into her sleazy, disgusting drama. The Edwards family needs to ban together and agree, no more contact at all with Riellle Hunter. Lawyers or counselors should mediate. The Edwards family can no longer be dragged down by this evil woman.

    June 30, 2012 at 7:32 am | Report abuse | Reply
  14. cbinatl

    Nancy, you took the words right out of my mouth; could not agree with you more!

    July 3, 2012 at 10:38 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  15. mary

    Did anyone else feel she was flirting with Piers? That woman is psycho and had this entire affair planned in that little pea brain of hers. Not using birth control because they were "in love". They hid their affair because they were : "in love". I am proud of myself...talked a woman out of buying her book in a bookstore yesterday! Do not give this person ANY more money. John Edwards is getting exactly what he deserves. Piers did a great job with her and her tap-dancing around questions that she actually had already answered in her book or elsewhere. I heard Sharon Osbourne took her down good on The Talk. OK, I'm over this. Next person in line for their 15 minutes!

    July 5, 2012 at 10:30 am | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Blog photographe

    N'hesitez pas à visiter mon blog photo, merci!

    July 5, 2012 at 10:31 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  17. emon

    Hunter is a poor role model for a young daughter. Her resentment that Elizabeth Edwards controlled where she lived, “team Edwards” and the inconvenience SHE was caused, “rent was to be taken out of the child support…left us with basically no money.” Quinn, know this, you don’t NEED YOUR BOYFRIEND, OR HIS WIFE, TO TAKE CARE OF YOU. It’s CHILD SUPPORT, not MISTRESS SUPPORT, or GIRLFRIEND SUPPORT. Quinn, when you grow up, always be able to take care of yourself, be able to support yourself, until then, you’re not responsible for taking care of your mother.

    July 10, 2012 at 10:09 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  18. G. Sandy Ebeier

    I was shocked at the way Piers Morgan treated Rielle Hunter (Senator John Edwards mistress) on his CNN Show. The biggest mistake that Rielle Hunter made was to fall for the charms of John Edwards. Piers attacked Ms. Hunter and treated her very rudely. It was obvious that Piers Morgan was too emotional over the subject of Mrs. Edwards cancer/death and could not give an unbiased interview to Ms. Hunter! As a viewer I felt uncomfortable and uneasy during the entire show. Piers Morgan could have at least thrown a "bone" to Ms. Hunter and mentioned the Beautiful Baby Daughter of her's and John Edward's, but NO! Piers Morgan came across unprofessionally in that interview. Hey Piers, why don't you ask John Edwards on your Show and "kick him around" and not the Mother of his Child. I will stop watching your show until you apologize to Ms. Hunter. G.SANDY EBEIER, DALLAS, TX

    July 14, 2012 at 1:16 pm | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Jamy Schoby

    I'm seriously sickened by this woman & her interview with Piers. She wants to talk about her book: "What Really Happened" and she doesn't want to talk about John Edwards? Is this woman crazy? I think Piers was right on target with his questioning. Yes he put her on the spot & asked her painful questions, but this was HER OPPORTUNITY to explain herself on what she/he did and her answer was "I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT".
    She says it was 50% his fault & 50% Elizabeths fault? Where was she at during all of this? Yes John had a part in it & so did Reille...........NOT Elizabeth!!! She didn't know a thing! Rielle knew that John Edwards was whom he was, she knew that he was married, SHE KNEW!!! And yet she says "I don't want to talk about it, the media takes this out of context"???
    Yes, it's Johns fault as much as hers, but she knew & still went ahead with the affair fully well knowing that his wife had cancer, he was in the media spotlight etc! She is exactly what the media makes her out to be and we all know the four letter word I'm talking about. This woman is sick, careless, heartless, & should be ashamed for years!!! Noone should by her book! IT MAKES ME SICK THAT SHE'S GOING TO MAKE MONEY OFF OF THIS! Noones perfect, but this is about as low as you can get!
    And then to say she doesn't want to talk about it!!! She went on Piers's show for one thing......to get the media to talk about it so she can do one thing......................SELL MORE BOOKS ABOUT HER BEING A (BLEEP). SICK SICK SICK JUST SICK!

    Thank you Piers, you were impecable to bring the spotlight out on who she is & what her and John did! I hope John would be next! Great interview!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    August 26, 2012 at 3:49 am | Report abuse | Reply
  20. JAT

    Both my husband and I were unsettled by this interview – could not figure out Piers angle. Clearly, he detests Ms. Hunter – but the way he stared at her even after breaking for commercials – over and over again – it was as though he was skewering her. I couldn't decide for sure if he was trying to figure her out, or if he just despised her so much he wanted her to know it. There is something seriously wrong with HER mind. Ms. Hunter seems to have absolutely zero socially redeeming value. So, I do not agree with Piers – but why have her on the show? Maybe just so he could stare at her unnervingly with those icy blue peepers!

    August 30, 2012 at 12:26 am | Report abuse | Reply
    • JAT

      CORRECTION: I do not DISagree with Piers...

      August 30, 2012 at 12:28 am | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Brenda Mcknight

    Reille Hunter is the one who leaked info National Enqurier and also sent them a photo.She wanted to get caught and she wanted to hurt Elizabeth. Crazy nut.

    July 27, 2014 at 3:15 am | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Christi Paaske

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    March 4, 2021 at 9:46 am | Report abuse | Reply

Post a comment


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.