Edwards seeks delay in sex tape testimony

Edwards, who was indicted last week on four counts of violating federal campaign finance laws and one count each of criminal conspiracy and making a false statement, said answering questions under oath in the civil suit would violate his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Rielle Hunter filed suit last year against former Edwards campaign aide Andrew Young, alleging that he took from her sensitive materials, including a reputed sex tape showing her with Edwards. She wants the 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.

Edwards provided testimony in February but refused to answer some questions that he says weren't related to the lawsuit.

Superior Court Judge Carl Fox ordered a June 20 deposition of Edwards that the judge would attend to rule on the relevancy of the questions posed by Young's attorneys.

In a motion filed Wednesday, Edwards asked Fox to stay his order until the criminal case against him is resolved, noting Young is a key prosecution witness.

"Given the subject matter of the indictment and the questions sought to be posed, there is no serious question that Fifth Amendment rights are implicated if the deposition occurs," the motion states.