Local Politics

Report: Edwards' ex-aide sells rights to movie

Andrew Young, the former aide to presidential candidate John Edwards, says he has "come to terms" with producer Aaron Sorkin about making a movie out of his tell-all book about Edwards' affair with a campaign staffer. Sorkin's previous works include "The West Wing" and "The American President."

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DURHAM, N.C. — Andrew Young, the former aide to two-time Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, has sold the movie rights to his tell-all book about the politician's affair with a campaign staffer.

Young wrote in an e-mail to WRAL News that he has "come to terms with Aaron Sorkin on the movie." Sorkin is a writer and producer whose works include "The West Wing" and "The American President."

The New York Times reported that Sorkin has bought the rights to "The Politician," the best-selling book that chronicles the cover-up of Edwards' affair with videographer Rielle Hunter.

To protect Edwards' 2008 presidential campaign, Young claimed responsibility for the affair and paternity of Hunter's daughter. In August 2008, after dropping out of the race, Edwards admitted to his affair and then later acknowledged paternity.

Hunter sued the Youngs over the ownership of a videotape showing Edwards having sex and some photos of Edwards with his and Hunter's daughter. Judge Carl Fox said there was no legal basis for her to amend the suit.

In April, Yong announced that he had hired Hollywood super-agent Ari Emanuel to secure a deal for the film rights to "The Politician." Emanuel, the brother of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, also represents Sorkin.

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