Disgraced Sen. John Edwards Denies Using Manhattan Madam Service
Disgraced Senator John Edwards has denied claims that he is a former client of accused Manhattan Madam, Anna Gristina, and on Thursday his lawyers dismissed reports that he previously used her alleged prostitution service as "defamatory."
"Mr. Edwards categorically denies that he was involved with any prostitute or service. These allegations are false, defamatory, and he puts those who would publish or repeat them on notice that they acting with actual malice by reporting or repeating them," Van Laningham said in a statement to Politico.
The reports began after a New York City-based call girl, allegedly employed by Gristina, recently told investigators that she was paid to have sex with former U.S. Sen. John Edwards.
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The prostitute, whose identity is being withheld, claims that she had a sexual encounter with Edwards while he was in New York raising money for his failed presidential bid, and Edwards' attorneys have demanded a retraction from DNAinfo.com, according to the website.
DNA info took to its website after Edwards' attorneys released the statement and wrote, "DNAinfo stands by its story."
The website claims that the prostitute has given a detailed account of her supposed one-night fling with Edwards, and says that it took place at an Upper East Side hotel suite arranged by Gristina.
One source insists that the prostitute spoke with the Manhattan District Attorney's office during 2008, which assisted them in Gristina's February 23 arrest.
"Most of the women don't have any idea about the identities of the men they sleep with. How would they know a money man from Wall Street or the face of a lawyer or banker who shows up?" But the face of the national politician? She knew," a source told DNA.
Gristina was recently charged with promoting prostitution, although he lawyers insist she has never been involved in prostitution and simply runs a match making business.
Edwards, 58, is currently facing a federal trial in North Carolina for reportedly using close to $1 million in campaign donations in an attempt to cover up an affair he had with videographer Rielle Hunter while his late wife, Elizabeth, battled cancer.
