When Elizabeth Edwards died in December, 2010, her oldest daughter, Cate, was 28 and a Harvard Law school graduate. She also had daughter Emma, then 12, and son Jack, who was 10 at the time. So two of her children were still quite young and she wanted to make sure that they would be well cared for when she died. The Enquirer reported that her will stipulated that “any decisions John makes regarding their younger children must be approved by their daughter Cate.” Elizabeth was reportedly close to Cate, and made sure that her daughter would carry on her wishes after she passed. This included making sure that her husband’s mistress Rielle Hunter and her illegitimate child did not move into the family mansion, that John never married Rielle, and that John’s daughter with Rielle would not inherit any money intended for John and Elizabeth’s children. This part of the Enquirer’s report spells it out, and it’s good:
Elizabeth worked with her lawyers to amend her will to prevent John from pocketing part of the couple’s $53 million fortune if he marries Rielle or lives with her, said the source.
“She also made sure none of the money earmarked for their children ever goes to Rielle’s daughter,” the close source divulged…
“Elizabeth understood John’s responsibility to care for Quinn, but she’s gone to her grave satisfied that the child will never receive any funds intended for their own children,” said the source.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth also ensured that neither John nor Rielle can touch the family’s multi-million-dollar 28,2000-square foot mansion on 102 acres in Chapel Hill, said the source.
“Elizabeth specified that John cannot call off the sale and move in Rielle and their daughter. That house, along with the family’s vacation home on Figure Eight Island, is now off limits to Rielle,” the source revealed.
[From The National Enquirer, print edition, December 27, 2010]
So we know Elizabeth was very concerned about Rielle moving in with John, and that she tried to ensure that John would not give this nasty woman any kind of legitimacy or money beyond monthly child support. That’s why I love this story that Elizabeth’s oldest daughter, Cate, now 30, told her dad to dump Rielle after she came out with that horrible book trashing Elizabeth. As we know, he did dump the bitch. Here’s the story, via Radar:
Cate Edwards pressured her father John to call things off with Rielle Hunter, after the baby mama’s new book disrespected the memory of Cate’s late mother Elizabeth Edwards, calling her “a witch on wheels,” among other things.
Insiders tell the National Enquirer that following the release of the controversial book What Really Happened, Cate “feels she received the ultimate slap in the face after she was by her father’s side for six long weeks during the criminal trial.”
“She’s told pals she’ll be there for her little brother and sister (Jack, 12, and Emma Claire, 14, respectively) but isn’t going to speak to her father unless he breaks it off with Rielle,” insiders tell the National Enquirer.
This is not the first time Cate, 30, has made clear her thoughts of Rielle, as she forbid her father from inviting her to her wedding last fall. (John’s and Rielle’s daughter Frances Quinn was invited, but did not go.)
As previously reported, in Rielle’s new book she expresses little remorse about sleeping with a then-married Edwards, even deducing Elizabeth should have been wise to John’s cheating because of her own desolate bed.
“If you aren’t having sex with your partner,” she explains, “chances are high someone else is.”
[From Radar Online]
John was weak enough to take up with this creature, he probably wouldn’t have dumped her without this ultimatum from his daughter. It’s not like he wasn’t screwing whomever would have him on the side, but in her mind Rielle was the head bitch. The rest of us just know her as a head case.
The only photos we have of Cate are from her wedding day in October, 2011. Her dress and her bridesmaids’ dresses are so pretty! It’s sad that her mother couldn’t have been there. Here’s Rielle at the airport in NY on 6-26-12. I bet that dark-haired woman behind her is the nanny. John Edwards is shown in 2007. Credit: FameFlynet, PRPhotos and Pacific Coast News
Good riddance. Maybe Cate can have some peace now. I hope this book tanks.
I agree. I feel so bad for Cate and the other two children.
Me too. 🙁 Poor Cate. You know she had some venom spitting behind the scenes. If I were she I’d be fantasizing about grisly torture to this cun+ on a coaster who is trying to desecrate my mother’s memory by putting out a book and for soiling the beach house. Despicable.
I hope it tanks too. Unfortunately, people were stupid enough to read Bristol Palin’s life story (at what, 21?) so I wouldn’t be surprised if it did well.
I could not agree with you more.
Ms Hunter is a delusional slut. Married men are basically lazy creatures. Why do you think so many of them have office flings? It takes no effort. She was convenient – an employee on the road with him. She had the hots for him, and he didn’t even have to go to the trouble of wooing her. Meanwhile, his wife – the mother of his children and the person who stood by his side as he made his dreams come true – was at home DYING while he was out humping the help. He didn’t think about her, or their children. He didn’t even think about Ms Hunter – frankly, it coulda been any panting ho bag. If she thinks she’s something special, she’s nuts. “If you’re not sleeping with your husband, chances are someone else is.”. Classy. Hey, Rielle, here’s a news flash: if you choose to pursue a married man, don’t expect anyone to feel an ounce of compassion for you. You’ll get the table scraps. “Witch on Wheels?” As if Elizabeth was just supposed to stand with a smile back and let that piece of trash wreck her family? John was Elizabeth’s husband. She deserved a better husband than the one she got. Oh. and he didn’t even have the nads to man up and claim that little girl (see, that’s how much he “cares” about you, Rielle). The situation undoubtedly put a strain on Elizabeth’s health at a time when she sorely needed the energy. If I was Cate, I’d be pissed at him and his budget whore for the rest of my life. I’m glad she’s making things difficult for John and his baby momma.
Amen CooCooCatchoo!! Elizabeth did the right thing by changing her will. I would have done the same thing if I was in her place!
how could she ever speak to him without throwing up in her mouth anyway?
Good for Cate! Elizabeth and Cate had to be strong because John Edwards is a weak wuss. I wish all the Edwards children well.
Poor Quinn. Am I the only one who finds this all a little harsh as far as the child is concerned? Rielle is the asshole, not her daughter.
Sure I guess I feel bad for the kid but she is going to have to develop thick skin. Her parents are disgusting trash, her birth was such a problem for her father he pawned her off on someone else, and yes she will not have the same money, advantages and status as her half-siblings (nor was Elizabeth or Cate obligated to see that she does) Worse than that, the entire world knows about it. She’s in for a rough ride.
You’re not the only one. That kid is going to need a lot of love in order to deal with all B.S. I feel sorry for her.
I understand that Elizabeth would not want any of her money to go to Quinn. Having said that, I believe Quinn should receive an equal amount of John Edward’s money. It bothers me when illegitimate children are treated as inferior.
ITA.
I don’t think that the child should have a share of what Elizabeth and John made together before their divorce. It’s not their child together and the child does not have rights to that money. Now, the child should get money from the time the marriage was dissolved and they have separate accounts. Which I am pretty sure is how the papers truly read.
I have a step child that I love dearly, but he will not receive the same amount of inheritance from my estate as my children will, because my stepson will have a sole inheritance that my children won’t have from his mother.
I see this as very similar territory, but I could be way off base.
Agreed. Quinn is Edward’s child and should not be punished because of her parents disgustingness. It’s terrible but I think that the best thing that could ever happen to her is if a loving relative took her in and showed her what a healthy family is like. Because with those parents she has NO chance. None. It’s bad enough that this crap is all over the media and everyone knows about it but add to that the quality parenting she’s bound to get from her delusional mother. Poor kid.
They arent anymore. In the eyes of the law they are treated equally BUT they need to bring it to court to plead their case. The law no trreats them totally as equals.
Quinn gets a full amount of child support that will cover her needs, and then some. She just won’t get beaucoups cash like her wealthy siblings because she’s just not entitled to it. Life is not fair, and we all get what life gives us and she’s darn lucky Edwards isn’t broke and unable to provide ample child support, and probably have her entire education paid for by her mother’s sometime sex partner.
She won’t suffer for want of anything, I’m sure of it. Just not luxury. Hey, I’m not loaded and I get along great.
Why do you think she is not equally entitled to her father’s money after he dies? That’s very antiquated. It’s not like I’m asking for an illegitimate child to inherit the throne in England.
Now, “after he dies” is a whole nother story. HIS ample estate will probably be divided equally after he dies. Just not anything already allocated towards the Edwards children.
I was not entitled to an equal share of my parents’ estate when they died. I happened to get it, but if John makes a will (and he is sure to), he can divide up his estate any way he likes so long as any required child support is paid. He can even leave the whole thing to charity.
You are not the only one. Edwards has just as much responsibility toward Quinn as he does toward any of his “legitimate” children. Treating Quinn differently is despicable, and I like Elizabeth Edwards less because of this.
Quinn was not Elizabeth’s child. She had no obligation to provide for her. John will still provide for her, as he would his other children. Her money only goes to her children. Fair is fair.
You like Elizabeth less because she did not embrace her husband’s illegetimate child? Good for her, this little girl was a stranger to her and did not deserve any of her money.
Surely your joking. So, you would financially support and leave your husbands love child a finacial gift???
Emily put yourself in Elizabeth’s shoes. Quinn is not her daughter and is NOT legally entitled to her estate.Although, by law, Quinn can inherit from John’s estate. It remains to be seen how much of a share she will have; maybe as much as her half-siblings; the law and a judge will decide that.Illegitimacy may make a difference sad but true.Emily you would not want someone else’s child to inherit as much as your children will.I would not.
I agree…poor Quinn. I absolutely feel for all the kids but at least Elizabeth’s children have one parent they can respect. I just feel so bad looking at her hanging on to Reille… just made me think about how Quinn has nobody who puts her first. Stupid Reille obviously gives no thought to what’s
I cannot STAND John Edwards. Rielle Hunter needs to do the world a favor and go away immediately. I feel for all the children involved in this mess, especially Hunter’s daughter, because her parents are narcissistic assholes.
+ 1.
Good for Cate. He shouldn’t have a dime from his ex wifes estate to give to that woman. He’s a wiener head. Yes he needs to pay child support, that poor child did nothing wrong. But he needs to come up with the money himself.
Hi Cathy – I agree with your post!
“weiner head”! heehee. And then some.
I usually dismiss anything the NE says, but this makes the most sense. But then again, it was the conclusion I came to when she spoke about the break-up, so it is not like it is something that a “source” told them. It is just common sense.
Please remember that NE broke this story-they have an inside source in the camp someone who was willing to talk about this when Edwards was still a viable candidate for President. Of course their info on this is good.
Agree, but I just hate the National Enquirer. A couple of stories are true but the rest is just garbage and treating them like a source of truth is just wrong.
I have to admire Cate’s strength and tenacity and that she was able to extend some kindness to Quinn and invite her to the wedding despite what she must represent. God knows that poor child is going to need Cate in her life when she gets older just as much as her other young siblings. Who would want to be cursed with such narcissistic and irresponsible parents?
Exactly. That is going to be a heavy load for Cate to bear: being the de facto parent to her three siblings.
Does anyone know if Johhny was as big a weiner head before their son died, or is his behavior a grief reaction? I in no way defend it either way, I’m just curious.
I guess… I wouldn’t have. Quite the reverse, I’d go out of my way to make sure that person felt how unwelcome he/she/it is. But I never “turn the other cheek”.
As I see it., being blood-related doesn’t make that person your family. For that, affection, love, etc is required. Far more than blood.
I just don’t get that…a child can’t help how they were conceived. There is nothing to ‘turn the other cheek’ or forgive. Quinn is a victim of circumstance.
That’s harsh. The kid is what, 4 years old? This isn’t about turning the other cheek, it’s about doing what’s best for a child. Cate was good to invite her to the wedding.
Uh you do realize that Quinn didn’t force Edwards and Hunter to destroy his family, right? You want a little girl with no control or understanding of the situation to know that her older siblings want nothing to do with her because of the unfortunate circumstances of her birth? Wow you must have a heart made of ice because I couldn’t do that. In this case it’s not even about being blood related. It’s that as an adult you should never burden children with the responsibility of paying for their parents mistakes. It just becomes more complicated that she’s their sister, but her mother is a scummy human being. Not Quinn’s fault though.
“Quite the reverse, I’d go out of my way to make sure that person felt how unwelcome he/she/it is.”
You can’t be serious! Surely you can’t be that evil and cruel? We are not talking about a ‘person’ (as in an adult) here, we are talking about a 4 year old little girl! So, if your half-sibling was a 4 year old child, you would go out of your way to make this poor little girl feel unwelcome? You must be some kind of monster to be able to do that!
Well, isn’t that a wonderful way to go through life, blaming and hating other people for the sin of being born.
Wow…that is a really sad thing to do, especially to a child.
You are right, I have an “affair sibling” and we are close but I have been there since day 1. The mistress never poisoned my sibling against us so I don’t know if a relationship is even possible in this situation. Very sad.
No kidding! I would not be so gracious I’m afraid.
I want to add though that I do think Cate has compassion for Quinn and will in future, and possibly closeness. I just don’t see how a four-year-old gives a rip about being at a boring wedding.
And Edwards is filthy stinkin rich. He will be giving Quinn way over what she needs, he can afford to give her whatever of his own funds (just not Elizabeth’s or her kids’ shares). I don’t see how Quinn is being shorted monetarily. Now if I find out later that they are stuck in some crap apartment unable to pay for meds or school, then I will change my tune. But I do feel he will step up to the plate financially and co-parentally, and I don’t think the Edwards kids will begrudge her existence. But they can’t help but hate the Creature.
Good for Cate, I was wondering when she would finally use the “dump her or I’ll never speak to you again” card. Edwards should be ashamed of himself. Also? Rielle is effing ugly. WTF. Throw away your political career, your marriage, your reputation… for THAT?? The mind boggles.
He is not somebody who stops to think about any consequences. Apparently, EVER. His mother must have coddled him like mad. During his speech, his father’s face is the saddest thing I’ve seen in quite some time. My heart goes out to his beleaguered parents and family.
it’s an awful situation, but how effective is it really for a grown daughter to threaten her father. if true, its rather immature. and, he will do what he wants in the end, anyway.
I think it’s pretty effective.
The man has already lost his public reputation and any hopes for a legitimate position in govt. His daughter stepping up to let him know he can’t schlub around in private with that gross woman is likely the kick in the ass he needs to know the fantasy is OVER.
Immaturity is cheating on your cancer stricken wife, not tellin your Father to grow a pair or you’re done with Him forever.
Riana, I could not agree with you more.
Ms Hunter is a delusional slut. Married men are basically lazy creatures. Why do you think so many of them have office flings? It takes no effort. She was convenient – an employee on the road with him. She had the hots for him, and he didn’t even have to go to the trouble of wooing her. Meanwhile, his wife – the mother of his children and the person who stood by his side as he made his dreams come true – was at home DYING while he was out humping the help. He didn’t think about her, or their children. He didn’t even think about Ms Hunter – frankly, it coulda been any panting ho bag. If she thinks she’s something special, she’s nuts. “If you’re not sleeping with your husband, chances are someone else is.”. Classy. Hey, Rielle, here’s a news flash: if you choose to pursue a married man, don’t expect anyone to feel an ounce of compassion for you. You’ll get the table scraps. “Witch on Wheels?” As if Elizabeth was just supposed to stand with a smile back and let that piece of trash wreck her family? John was Elizabeth’s husband. She deserved a better husband than the one she got. Oh. and he didn’t even have the nads to man up and claim that little girl (see, that’s how much he “cares” about you, Rielle). The situation undoubtedly put a strain on Elizabeth’s health at a time when she sorely needed the energy. If I was Cate, I’d be pissed at him and his budget whore for the rest of my life. I’m glad she’s making things difficult for John and his baby momma.
Jackie is not immature but very mature and responsible. Cate has to be the adult in this situation because John and Rielle are two selfish individuals. THE ONLY REASON THAT RIELLE AND JOHN BROKE UP, IS BECAUSE RIELLE HUNTER REALIZED THAT JOHN WAS NEVER GOING TO MARRY HER, SHE WAS NOT GOING TO MOVE INTO THE MANSION, SHE WILL NOT GET TO RAISE HER DAUGHTER TOGETHER WITH JOHN AND HIS TWO OTHER SMALL CHILDREN. I am glad at least Elizabeth was able to keep that disgusting trash Rielle away from her kids, money and home.
people don’t change due to threats.
I agree people don’t change due to threats, just makes them lie even more. John Edwards has lost a lot, I don’t think he wants to lose the love and respect of his kids. This family drama is not over, the smaller kids will grow up and find out how John treated their mother. John did leave Rielle based on his daughter’s threats, some men make better fathers than they do husbands. He would not leave Rielle when Elizabeth asked, maybe he will respect his daughter’s request? Only time will tell.
In Edward’s case, just changing his behavior, even slightly, is enough. You have to take your victories where you can. As far as his heart, I don’t know. John may actually be at the point where he has nowhere else to go but get on his knees and pray to God.
He’ll still be a philanderer, but Rielle won’t ever get the big house and lifestyle. And Cate will vet any women he gets seriously involved with very closely.
Jackie O, although you are right in the fact a person or child cannot stop them from seeing someone of their choice, the circumstances with the Edwards require a different look. This man John cheated on his wife which was bad enough, then cheated on her with a nut case, deliberately gets pregnant, causes all kinds of chaos bad mouthing the deceased wife, and thinks she should live in the mansion that belongs to Elizabeth’s children ONLY!Cate has been kind way beyond acceptable and is only looking out for the best interest of her younger full siblings. John chose to dump Rielle because his first responsibilty is to the minor children before Reille and Quinn.John also knows he will lose them if he stays with Rielle. I hope he stays away from her, O/W he will lose his family! Cate did not have to support John but chose to do so because he is her father. John should choose his children over a lover until they are grown. Rielle has done soo much damage that cannot be reversed and Elizabeth’s children cannot stand her. It would be hell for Rielle and Elizabeth’s children to live together-therefore, it is healthier for everyone if John and Rielle stay apart. I would not want to subject my children to a stepmom or stepdad who badmouthed my deceased spouse and my children’s other parent.John and Rielle are two selfish people who only care about themselves.Sad but true!
I agree. It is impossible to control another person’s behaviour indefinitely ~ by threats or cajoling. Trying to control her father’s behaviour should not be her job or burden. No peace can be had this way.
On another note ~ how the hell did they amass $53 millyun dollars???
I absolutely agree with you, Jackie O. I find it to be pointless and somewhat ridiculous that Cate and Elizabeth contrived together to keep a child of Edward’s from receiving an inheritance. Also, none of this is the little girl’s fault–her mom is a skank and her dad is a weiner (never liked him and I’m a lifelong Democrat), but that Elizabeth Edwards took so much of her energy during her last days to focus on revenge will-plotting is just as distasteful to me as Rielle’s book and fame-whore actions are.
Frankly, I have no respect for Elizabeth or Jon anyway as they pursued the 2008 election while already engaged in this farce–it might have well ended up costing the Democrats the entire election had Edwards been the primary winner.
Quinn will still receive an inheritance from John Edwards personal net worth and estates…just not an inheritance from the amount stipulated as part of Elizabeth Edwards’s estate. Elizabeth was a lawyer in her own right and she and John had joint accounts/property and separate accounts/property towards the end as she had been seeking a divorce. In my eyes thats competely fair as Quinn has no right to any money or property owned by Elizabeth herself.
I didn’t read it like that.
It seems to me that Elizabeth blocked what belonged to her and her children, not what belonged to John. Quinn will still get what she’s entitled to. And Cate did invite her to the wedding so there is definitely goodwill from the siblings towards the little girl.
Is it so hard to understand that in Elizabeth’s situation, she would draw a line? Just try to put yourself in her situation, all the sh*t that creep and his mistress put this woman through.
Why would you consider that immature? If somebody is emotionally dragging you down, you have a few choices: 1) deal with it and let it continue to hurt you, 2) cut the person out of your life, or 3) talk to the person about how they are hurting you and ask them to stop. I think it was pretty mature of her.
Exactly. Not sure what Jackie is going on about, but his daughter stepped up to the plate in speaking with her father, she took the mature, logical and responsible route. She did the right thing by leveling with her father and letting him know his behavior won’t be tolerated. Any mature human being would do the same thing. Wtf?
I think her threat is real. If he does do whatever he wants eventually, she’ll stick to her guns and shut him out. To stay with Hunter is akin to Edwards agreeing with the horrible book damning her mother. I really think she was left with no choice in the matter, whatsoever. I think she’s been waiting a damn long time for the chance to speak her mind about the issue and had to put her foot down. Tough love.
I totally agree with Jackie, it’s not her place to give him an “ultimatum”. He should want to make that decision on his own. My guess is he will still sneak around with Rielle. He cheated on his dying wife, why wouldn’t he “cheat” on his daughter? The man has no morals at all.
exactly. if his daughter wants to walk away from the relationship, it is her right.
however, women (wives/girlfriends/daughters) are always trying to change the behaviour of men in their lives with threats. never works. he may cool off his behaviour for awhile to appease, but that is about it.
Before reading this, I had wondered if Cate had anything to do with their break up. I know I would have done the same as Cate had my father had a “piece” that disrespected my mother in such a way.
I smell a reality show coming.
I was on vacation with my husband at Disney World back in 2007 or 2008 and actually ran into the Edwards family (literally; I almost knocked John Edwards over and would have if my husband hadn’t grabbed my arm and yanked me out of the security officer’s way). This was before the whole Rielle Hunter thing had come out. Even then, you could see there was an imbalance. She was with the kids, holding their hands, lagging a little behind, and he was charging ahead of her with the tour guide and the security people.
I was a huge admirer of Elizabeth Edwards and I wanted to say something to her to the effect, but she was on her vacation with her kids and her husband and she looked a little tired, so I said nothing and muttered to my family that we’d just passed the Edwardses. I wish now that I’d said something to her, just so she understood the impact her courage had on people. Cate and I are around the same age and I admire the way she’s stood by her father, even if I don’t think he deserves it.
I lost my father when I was 17. My mom would have to have been so profoundly depraved for me to turn on her. My mom’s amazing by the way.
I used to know a woman who still supported her father who was imprisoned for the murder of her mother.
I’m sure part of Cate’s support for John has to do with maintaining stability for the two youngest kids.
I give her credit. It’s often hard to separate the people your parents are (your parents) from the people they are in their own relationship. It’s compacted and hard for any child regardless of age and something like cheating just makes it overwhelming. my parents never had any infidelity issues but to this day since my Fathers passing and my Mom sharing more personal stories I often wonder about the whole two sides to every story, what was he going through, what were his demons…and that’s just with bickering and fights.
A public affair, a love child, criminal actions abused in a political career…dear god what his bastard has put his children through. I’m glad someone laid the smackdown on him.
I only hope years from now Quinn can do the same for her selfish horrible mother because she’s left her with a mark that will last for decades and a parentage that is ugly and based in narcism.
Great post Riana, I also thought about Rielle’s daughter. Unfortunately for that little girl she will probably pay for her parents indiscretions. Maybe someday When Quinn grows up and marries the man of her dreams, she will have to deal with a woman just like Rielle Hunter. Rielle will have to see her daughter suffer and go through the same pain she help give Elizabeth Edwards.
Wishing Old Testament type retribution on a 4 yr old WTF???
OH and Rielle is too much of a selfish narcissist to ever feel pain for another person. She’ll go through her life doing her best to be the center of attention in every aspect. Hopefully Quinn doesn’t get ruined by her selfish parents.
I was not quoting bible verses or know anything about Old Testament type retributions. I am not speaking about Quinn as a four year old. I was stating that when she grows in to a young woman and the same thing is done to her, then maybe Rielle will see the pain that her actions caused. That was my point, only by seeing her daughter go through heartache will Rielle cease to be such a selfish person. I am not wishing a four year child pain.
Yes you are in fact wishing pain and infidelity on a 4 year old in order to punish the mother. Old Testament ‘sins of the father’ thinking.
Own it.
She’s not ‘wishing’ anything Min.
She’s merely saying that when Quinn encounters a moment of infidelity from an untrustworthy man (it happens to the majority or us) only then will Rielle see how much she hurt another woman she called a ‘witch on wheels’
mln76 since I am not familiar with the bible or the whole fantasy of it…. and you are, then yes!! I guess I am wishing Quinn pain and yes!! I will own it!! Thank you for the bible study have a great day 🙂 I need to use my “reap what you sow” on a few people, with this new found knowledge and power I am unstoppable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If the woman can’t protect and feel for her now that she’s a toddler I doubt she will wake up when Quinn is a young woman. I see a lot of competing for John’s attention for the next 20+ years. I don’t think she’s capable of putting her child before her. I see so many people bad mouth their SO only to get back with them later on. Then you have face all those people you bad mouthed your SO to and act like you were just kidding. If there’s kids involved keep it to yourself or your words will resurface to bite you in the a$$.
Don’t you think that you are assuming too much? That Quin will be cheated on? You’re making a lot of assumptions. Just because her mother did it, doesn’t mean Quin will experience it.
Or Quinn might just as well completely eschew marriage or men altogether since she’s seen what a farce it can all be.
Sal, yes I am assuming that’s what my post is, an assumption is not fact. I can’t predict what will happen in the future with Rielle and her daughter. According to another poster I also wished ill will on a four year old. 🙁 The point of Celebitchy is to post thoughts/opinions/assumptions. How dare I……
Ugh that lady Rielle is sooo gross and so is he. Her face & look chin clothes all needs to go away like now. What a bunch of classless a** holes.
Hope this doesn’t stretch into the repeat story of the summer…..
Cate seems to be the best shot at a parent those kids have. I can’t imagine going through the rough teenage years, losing your mother, knowing your father is a gross pig, the trial, this book, etc.
I’m sure he dumped her no problem, as I don’t think he cares about anyone but himself. He was only keeping her around because she’s stupid and delusional enough to keep coming back for more.
Cate also lost her teenage brother – her only sibling at the time.
I think John will get back with Rielle, unfortunately. All the little children lose; hopefully one day they can make some sense of this.
I call BS on NE’s story about Elizabeth’s will. She and John shared custody of the kids. After her death, full custody of them would automatically go to John. Unless he was shown to be an unfit parent in court (he was not) and other legal arrangements were made, Elizabeth cannot stipulate an additional guardian in her will nor can she “make” John check their older daughter’s before he makes decisions about the younger kids.
Of course. You are 100% right about that.
I also don’t believe Cate gave her father an ultimatum; I tend to think they weren’t even together anymore, or why write a book? There’s been silence from Edwards’ camp about it, it’s just Rielle talking.
I thought Elizabeth made her daughter (before she died) legal guardian (along with John) of her minor siblings? I don’t know wills but Elizabeth was a smart lawyer. Maybe there was a way were she amended her will? I don’t know how it works but there are ways of going about things like this. I think Elizabeth wanted Cate to have a say in her siblings upbringing. John went along with it, he is already a diseased rat he might as well not alienate his oldest daughter more.
Not possible. There’s no way that a parent’s rights can be taken away unless they’ve done something horrible to the *kids*, so no matter how much of a total a-hole Edwards was/is to his wife and others, there would be no basis for terminating his parental rights. If she had tried to do something like that, Edwards certainly would’ve fought it and won easily. It’s just the Enquirer making that up.
She did not leave her individual funds to John. She gave all the decision making over her estate to her daughter. They were getting divorced. I would have done the same thing. I would not want any of my money intended for children to benefit my husband’s tramp. He has custody and his own money. but Cate has her mothers estate.
Unless her will stipulated that a trust was created for the younger children of which property can be conveyed into said trust for their benefit. In that event, she can appoint co-trustees to handle all financial matters including the sale of real estate. So yes, Cate also has a responsibility to make the best decisions in regards to the younger children.
Is hard not to judge others, we all do it. I truly believe that Rielle Hunter will never “get it” until she sees her own daughter go through it. Only then will Rielle know the effects of her actions and the hurt her book is causing Elizabeth’s children. When she sees her own daughter Quinn hurting because some other woman disregards her, her marriage and her kids. Only time will tell I guess. Quinn will grow up, fall in love…. “You reap what you sow” and sometimes your children are left to reap the harvest.
Shame on you for wishing ill on quinn…hee hee. just teasing I understand what you are saying. But that tramp will never understand why she is a despicable human being.
LMFAO!!!!!!!! ha ha I am vile.
I think you’re giving Rielle too much credit. There is a huge disconnect between her ego and reality.
You may be right, but maybe now that she has a child of her own her views/feelings might change. For some people having children changes their perspective on life. You can’t have kids and still be a self-centered, selfish person. Then again, some people don’t ever grow/mature.
I don’t hold out any hope on the woman. She has several empathy chips missing in her hardware. She’s beyond human feeling. If she can do all she’s done and be so damn obtuse in all her public interviews, I really don’t know if she can be predicted like a regular human.
It very well could happen to Quinn or Rielle. The Bible states we reap what we soe-same as what goes around comes around, or karma.
I can understand Elizabeth’s anger and that of her daughters…but that little girl doesn’t deserve to be cut out of her siblings lives and not have the same opportunities they will have. It all seems very cruel for a young girl who will need that familial support as she ages.
It’s one thing for her to have the same opportunities as the other Edwards children which she a. Likely wouldn’t have had based on the choices of her parents and b. COULD have if her Father wanted to provide for her (which I doubt be does) it’s another for her lame irresponsible Father to take the funds or opportunities Elizabeth worked for to help support his love child with another woman.
John has full custody of his children with Elizabeth. But in Elizabeth’s wil, she stipulated that her own money and assets be given to her own children, not Quinn. What John does with his own money and assets is his own business, but whatever assets are in Elizabeth’s name were specifically earmarked for Elizabeth’s children.
why is this so hard for some people to understand…Elizabeth was a lawyer…she had her OWN money…money that she earned and that was hers alone…OF COURSE SHE WOULD WANT THAT MONEY TO GO TO HER CHILDREN…Quinn will share equally with her siblings in all of johns money…he is loaded…believe me, Quinn won’t suffer from lack of money…only lack of good parents! People should look at it this way, when Rielle dies, the money she makes from this book (hopefully not much) will be left to Quinn and not divided between Quinn and Johns kids…
I think Quinn will be more than provided for. He’s got plenty to go around.
It’s about time someone stood up to that fart box. Good for Cate. As for Rielle I find her to be an absolutely disgusting human being and not only for remarks about the late Elizabeth Edwards but also because when I look at her she resembles Dina Lohan (especially in the pic of her pushing the stroller) and I loathe Dina Lohan.
Now something nice Cate’s dress is beautiful and the little girl is cute (to bad she has crap head parents, damn it I tried to be nice..oh well.)
I suspected the break-up was both initiated by him (that cheating bastard) from how carefully-worded the hooker’s statement was; AND that Cate had something to do with it.
Like I said on an earlier thread: I’d have taken over the family home and kicked my philandering bastard of a father OUT.
Let me get this straight, a woman who knew that the man she was boning was married disses the wife and has a kid by him. The mistress justifies the cheating and continues to deal with him despite the fact that the wife was seriously ill. Does this woman have the feelings of an iceberg or what? Now the daughter of the man wants him to have no parts of the mistress and it serves his sorry a?? well. Enough damage had been done to the now deceased wife and she must rest in peace.
I trust that the mistress must remember somewhere in that pea brain of hers that karma is still a beyotch and wreaks havoc wherever it goes. I wonder if this is part of the upbringing she will teach her daughter….makes you wonder doesn’t it??
The thing I don’t understand about using the Karma theory, is what did Elizabeth do wrong in her lifetime to attract such bad treatment? Did Elizabeth receive bad Karma from something she did wrong in the past?
I know I read and saw Elizabeth on tv saying since the day she married John she begged him to be faithful because her own father cheated. Do you think her fears turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy and if it wasn’t Rielle who got involved it would have been someone else?
It’s been said you attract what you think about. Lee Majors said if Ryan O’Neal hadn’t gone after Farrah it would have been someone else and the marriage would still have been over.
I’m not condoning anyone’s behavior. I don’t always understand the Karma angle.
because karma is bullshit….it would be nice to think that bad things that people do come back to bite them in the butt, but unfortunately, a lot of bad people live great lives and a lot of wonderful have problems…its called life!
I’m a lawyer, and you can’t achieve half of what the Enquirer says that Elizabeth tried to achieve in her will. He made the vast majority of the family’s money; there probably were trusts set up for the kids, and those can’t be touched for Quinn’s benefit, but he would have total control over anything that wasn’t in a trust, and he can still control what’s in his half of the trust even if Elizabeth’s half can’t be touched.
Cate may control Elizabeth’s half of a trust, but that still leaves John millions of dollars and the freedom to date anyone he’d like.
I think the break-up is to drive book sales and they’ll be back together next month.
I can’t disagree with that; just a few weeks ago he was saying he was “grateful for Quinn.” He loves the little girl and will continue to see her (and Rielle). I think they’re both idiots. Writing a book as a political “mistress” to a man with a terminally ill wife – classy, way classy, NOT!! I hope he loses his eldest daughter through this; he is an epic douche-canoe. Scum.
To be honest I think he’ll do whatever to try and save some face.
When the child was just an infant he claimed it didn’t even belong to him.
Now he’s ‘grateful’ for her.
If there was any hope of retaining his political career I’m sure he’d distance himself again.
I’m team Elizabeth all the way but how does she have the authority to dictate to her husband-who has full custody of his biological children–that he needs to consult someone else for their care?
You can leave custody of your children to someone and make someone else in charge of your money. I did this in my will to ensure that my funds will go for the care of my child…not a new home or car or pay off anyone’s bills with money that is supposed to go to my child. That is not saying no money is to go to the person caring for my child …they should get money for monthly expenses due to that child. Just not a lump sum to do with what they please. I made my wishes clear to the person in charge of my money what was acceptable and what was not.
You cannot “leave custody” of your children to someone in your will if they ALREADY HAVE a custodial parent, which they do. John had joint custody of his children at the time of Elizabeth’s death. They are not property she could have simply “given” to another person. Their father has full custody of them and she could not have stipulated an additional guardian or made John answer to Cate about their care. That is far beyond the power of anyone’s will.
You can’t dictate that somebody with full custody has to consult on the children’s care. You cannot “will” your half of the custody of your children to somebody else. There is a father and the legal presumption is that he gets full custody with the full rights and responsibilities that go along with that; should Cate like to challenge custody, she can do it, but absent a court ruling, she has no legal say. Elizabeth may have given Cate control over her half of the money, but that only affects Edwards if he’s trying to get access to that money for the care of the kids, otherwise he can do what he likes.
That doesn’t mean that Cate doesn’t have a certain amount of personal pressure she can put on him, which, it appears, she may have done.
I would tell my father the same thing if he was “dating” that piece of trash. I don’t think Cate has any ill feelings towards Quinn. But she will never be able to be civil towards that lying piece of trash. Who writes that crap about a dead woman and expects any sympathy is beyond me…..
The money and family home should not be tarnished by this tramp. Quinnn deserves to be taken care of and needs her own “trustfund” with John Edwards funds…not Elizabeths. I honestly do not believe that he was or ever will be in love with this tramp. I think it was purely sex and bad judgement. Then she trapped him with a child.
I don’t care if Elizabeth Edwards was truly the most heinous b*tch in the world- you do NOT call her a “witch on wheels” after she’s dead, in a book, especially considering the three children she left behind. Rielle Hunter nauseates me, what a disgusting person. But then we already knew that, didn’t we? Also I think she intentionally got pregnant just to “keep” John Edwards, so essentially the kid was/is just a pawn. What a gross situation all around, and the kids are the ones that suffer the most.
Good. But surely Edwards knew what Hunter was writing/read the manuscript/saw drafts before it went to the printers, so why wait this long? Who allow her to write that book about the mother of his children? That his daughter had to force him to dump her speaks volumes. He should have been HORRIFIED at the book before because as I said he would have known what was in it before it was printed, so why didn’t he stop her? The man is sick.
Johnny couldn’t piss Rielle off while his trial was going on, or she might have testified against him. He had to wait until the trial was over.
Although John & Rielle have made huge mistakes, their innocent child is being punished by Cate and that is selfish and sickening behavior on her part.
The little girl is innocent in all of this & he is her father just as much as he is Cates father. Cate doesnt have to like Rielle but she shouldnt punish an innocent child because she is angry with her fathers or his girlfriends actions.
She doesnt have to be her friendly big sister BUT the child is entitled to just as much money as Cate is. Again she is as much Johns daughter as Cate is. Why does Cate feel the little girl doesnt deserve as much as all of Johns other kids? Because of how she was produced? Yes tacky & low BUT AGAIN not the childs fault.
Kim – no she is not entitled – her mother did not help John amass the money he has now – Elizabeth did that so her children should come first. The kid is entitled to only what John part of their fortune is. That is all. How come her mother would not get a decent job and stop living off of John and his legitimate children’s money.
Exactly! Quinn was in no way part of Elizabeth or Elizabeth’s portion of the estate, so she is not entitled to that. Mister Freewheelin Dickie is going to take care of his daughter, not Elizabeth.
And nobody has intimated that Cate is negative to Quinn. Quite the opposite. She made special point to invite a 4-year-old to her own wedding, which is very telling. I’m real tired of the thinking that Cate is supposed to just welcome his slut and child into Elizabeth’s home and have her estate. They are just not entitled to it. Johnny is filthy rich and will support Quinn.
Now if Rielle would just get a damn job and shut her trap …
She is not entitled, legally or morally, one of the reasons we have a system of marriage and inheritance is because we have determined as a society that these systems offers some authority to our wishes and actions.
Elizabeth worked and supported her family under the belief it was her children with a man. She did not work to help or assist him in his efforts to have an affair or any children from that affair.
John decided to have sex with Rielle and she decided to produce a child from that affair. That makes the child a product of THEIR personal illegitimate union. That does not mean Elizabeth owes the child anything and in fact can protect the interests of her own children since its clear John may not put their best interests first.
As such she is entitled to whatever John wishes to give to her…of HIS own efforts.
As for Cate…I think Cate is saying she’s sick of her Father’s actions. I doubt very much John wants anything to do with Rielle and merely kept her happy out of complacency/laziness.
And being held hostage to Rielle’s potential wrath/witness testimony while the trial was running.
I appreciate the way you word things and your thoughts Riana.
Aww thanks!
I think Elizabeth Edwards did the right thing with her will. I admire Cate for her backbone in defending her mother’s wishes. (Which I believe are not the least bit cruel to the child born to her husband’s mistress….
These were Elizabeth’s dying wishes and Cate supported them as such. I think any of us would do the same given the circumstances. That does not mean the half sibs won’t give Quinn the familial support she needs going forward. It’s normal that emotions are high and that these kids have to deal with them according to their parents terms, while the parents are alive. The only good thing about parents passing is that children often get to let go of their parents dysfunctions when it happens. I think time will show the Edward’s children will handle this whole debacle a hell of a lot better than their parents.
I’ll go out on a limb and say I’d bet the younger kids are even glad to have a little sister and look forward to spending time with her.
Another commenter here nailed it a few days ago when they said him dumping her was probably due to his oldest daughter. I think it’s disgusting that Rielle trashed a dead woman who, obviously, can’t defend herself. And although Rielle’s daughter in an innocent in all this, I’m glad his first wife got the last word in all this via her will. Thank gawd the two younger kids have the older sister they do. As the oldest sibling myself, I know what a huge responsibility it is to look out for your younger siblings.
Anybody see her on Piers Morgan last night?
What a vile mongrel.
I don’t like Morgan much but got sucked in. He was so annoyed at her non answers.
I saw it. Boy, she sure clammed up on John’s feelings about the book and breakup. And she is trying to backtrack on Elizabeth. I read a great review by somebody who had an open mind, thinking writing the book couldn’t hurt her, but said her obsession with making Johnny the poor, helpless abused husband, blaming Elizabeth for the issues and saying mean things about her, all coming from the mistress who only met her once, has made her even more reviled.
A will can’t force some of these things. The kids are John’s. He’s the father. He has custody. Elizabeth can’t force him to let their adult daughter, Cate, have a say in everything regarding the children.
Even though they called off the divorce. I thought they did come to a financial settlement divvying up their fortune. That way all of her settlement is for her kids.
This whole story remind of the quote for Inside Man. It goes something like this…. “All evil deeds stink.”
This is what this whole affair is…stinky business.
If the NE story is correct then I’m going against the grain and not being that sympathetic to the Edwards women.
I have a big issue with Elizabeth stipulating that John can’t make decisions for the younger children without Cate’s approval. WTF?
Cate may be defending her mother’s dying wishes but that involves emotionally blackmailing her father. If she feels that way herself then that’s fine don’t wrap it around Elizabeth. If she felt that way then she shouldn’t have turned up to court every day. I doubt she suddenly changed her mind after the court case. That had nothing to do with protecting the siblings, unless it was to help JE stay out of jail… whatever. The whole family continues to put on a public show. Elizabeth was part of the charade when she was alive until it got to be too obvious.
Yes, respect for those who have passed and can’t defend themselves but let’s not whitewash them.
There is something I don’t understand.
Our money is OUR money. If he fathered a child with someone else, it would be his responsibility to deal with that, and he would be using OUR money to do it. I would be literally sickened if he didn’t. Just considering it makes me nauseous.
It’s one thing to have an affair. Sucks, but it can be forgiven. It’s another to not treat all the children you fathered as equally as you possibly can. That is not something I could ever forgive. I don’t understand anyone who would want to be with someone who would be willing to treat one of their children as lesser than the others. Nor do I understand why anyone would want that. I find it utterly despicable.
If I were in Cate’s position, I’d be setting up a trust fund for Quinn, and I’d be telling my father that if he ever wanted to speak to me again, he would be a true father to that child.
My husband & I have joint money too. But many very wealthy people don’t, or at least have separate investments accounts, etc. They do it for tax purposes.
If my husband fathered a child with someone else while we were still married, I’d divorce him & take our child, the dogs & as much as I could get my hands on. Plus alimony & child support
…I guess your a hippie then?? Peace,love, free sex and lets all copulate with eachother, live in a commune and hold hands round the fire singing Kumbiya??
Utterly ridiculous.
That can’t possibly be a rely to my comment
Not so Emily! Only John’s estate and money will be used to support Quinn; she is not a legal heir of Elizabeth; nothing and I mean nothing from Elizabeth’s estate, not even a dime will go to Quinn. Elizabeth made sure of that and I don’t blame her at all!! Although I am almost certain Elizabeth told John it is HIS responsibility to support his child.It is NOT Elizabeth’s place at all to support this child.I know it sounds mean and heartless but this is a fact of life.I would do the same thing if I were in Elizabeth’s place.I would also be very angry but would do everything possible to protect my children’s inheritance from another woman and her children.It is not being mean; it is protecting what belongs to you and your children.
Do any of you really think that John ever has or will see a penny of the money that Elizabeth made from HER book? Hell no. She had her own money, investments & property & is in no, shape, or form obligated to leave any of it to the child of her husband’s mistress. I bet she left all it in trust to her kids & made Cate the executor.
She couldn’t do anything about custody of the younger 2, but if Cate controls their money, school tuition, etc, then she would have some say in their lives. I don’t think she’d fight her dad for custody of them though
Amen, totally agree!
There’s a section in the new book where Hunter claims Clinton told John she wasn’t behind the leak to the NE. Which is bizarre, given that the leaker was Hunter’s own publicist Pigeon O’Brien and therefore ultimately Hunter herself. Did she think twice about taking the hush money?
I feel so bad for that little girl.
Can we stop using the term “illegitimate child”? There is no such thing- every child is legitimate.
It sounds like something out of an archaic, backwards royal family.
Cate is under no obligation to share her mother’s estate with John’s child. She can care for Quinn, wish the best for her, but that doesn’t mean she has to share her mother’s money with her. That would be an insult to her mother’s memory.
Quinn has parents. Let them take care of her.
I completely agree. Elizabeth was completely wise to protect her children and their assets. Quinn will be well provided for by John Edwards and her mother but there is no earthly reason for Elizabeth to leave her children unprotected in case John Edwards runs into financial difficulties or decided to take away from the inheritance that John and Elizabeth agreed upon for their children during their marriage due to pressure from Rielle.
The way I look at this…..Half the money was Elizabeth, Half was the Sleeze’s. Elizabeth has no say over John’s 1/2 of the money and whether or not any of it goes to Quinn.
This is how I see it. Let’s say it was $50 million total the Elizabeth & John had.
When Elizabeth died, her $25 million should be divided 3 ways: her 3 kids. So they get $8.33 million each.
When John dies (no one will cry), and hi $25 million should be divided 4 ways: his 3 kids with Elizabeth and thi poor Quinn. So they all get $6.25 million each.
Quinn gets %6.25 million (her share of John’s money),
the 3 kids that Elizabeth and John shared should get $14.5 million in total (their share of their parents money.)
Sounds right and fair to me
Sounds legal and fair to me!
Meh. I’d probably end up in jail if someone wrote a book like that about my mom while she was alive, let alone after she’d passed. Good for Cate, she laid the law down on her immature, emotionally-stunted father. The book is probably what pushed her to that point, as well it should have. I love my father to pieces, but if he hooked up with some trick and then let that trick throw my mom under the bus in print, we’d have some serious problems.
Team Cate!
What a B**TCH!! The woman was dying and she’s gloating that if Elizabeth would not sleep with her husband someone else would? I can’t believe anyone bought that tramps book.
And then to call her a “witch on wheels”. I am surprised she didn’t call herself a whore on wheels. She sounds like a bitter, distasteful, disingenuous, self serving raggedy wench.
I would have never talked to my father again.
Why is it that handsome men always have affairs or break a marriage by having it off with ugly, bimbo women. I just don’t get it
According to Roger Friedman, attacking a dead wife hasn’t done much for the book’s sales. He reports its Amazon rating plummeted from 94 on June 23rd to 223 on its date of publication three days later.
Yall think Elizabeth Edwards was such a peach but she was a mean woman or could be if she did not like you.
And while I am no fan of John Edwards, there is a little girl who needs a daddy and a guy who needs to man up.
I know Edwards loves his daughter but she needs to go get a LIFE and stop trying to channel Elizabeth Edwards, God rest her soul. Grown children should not be managing their parent’s love life, Yuk!
Mia, this is an unusual circumstance. First of all, John is responsible for Jack and Emma before Quinn. Quinn has a mother Jack and Emma only have their father. Quinn is illegitimate and John is only required to pay child support and doesn’t have to have contact with Quinn; only if he choses to do so. Morally he needs to see Quinn every other weekend but is not required. Cate is only looking after Jack and Emma. John can choose to see Rielle but will lose his other children if he does so. Cate must take a stand for this woman behaving soooo badly.I would do the same thing if I were in her shoes.Cate is in charge of her young siblings and does have a say in who John brings into their home!
RobN knows what he is talking about. Read his posts.
Unless the Edwards had already settled and divided their money before the divorce was final then someone cannot completely disinherit a spouse unless the divorce was final. I think that’s the law in all states though the amount varies (the surviving spouse gets a third, a quarter, whatever).
Of course, children cannot be willed to anyone. How can anyone think that is possible? Children are not property. Where there is no surviving parent or guardian then courts will take into account a deceased’s wishes but that’s as far as it goes.
If John’s children with Elizabeth already have inherited a lot of money then he may ensure that a larger share of his assets goes to Quinn to make it equal. John can divide his money anyway he wants. Children are not entitled to an equal share if a will says otherwise. And, unlike spouses, children CAN be disinherited.
This is a story by the National Enquirer after all. The fact that they got the Edwards scandal right previously is because it was handed to them on a silver platter by people who came to the NE and wanted to sell their story. Not because the NE made some great journalistic or investigative effort. The NE remains the same disreputable rag is has always been.
Katherine, unfortunately a child can be disinherited, but the child has a right to contest the will and very likely win! A loving, respectable parent would not disinherit any of their children; it maybe legal but not moral.They can disinherit a spouse in some states, but they can contest and likely win also.When you have stepfamilies or half siblings consideration is important. A life estate covers this and protects all the heirs as it should be. I would think low of my father if he did not protect us in his will; although his wife should be protected also.