John Edwards admits to fathering child

John Edwards had admitted to fathering a child with his former mistress Rielle Hunter.

In a statement to NBC's Today show, the former North Carolina senator and Democratic presidential candidate confessed that he is the father of 2-year-old Quinn.

"I am Quinn's father. I will do everything in my power to provide her with the love and support she deserves. I have been able to spend time with her during the past year and trust that future efforts to show her the love and affection she deserves can be done privately and in peace," he said.

"It was wrong for me ever to deny she was my daughter and hopefully one day, when she understands, she will forgive me. I have been providing financial support for Quinn and have reached an agreement with her mother to continue providing support in the future."

He added: "To all those I have disappointed and hurt these words will never be enough, but I am truly sorry."

Edwards, who initially denied that he was the child's father, admitted to having an affair with campaign videographer Hunter in 2008.

A spokesperson for the politician's wife Elizabeth added that she had learned he was the father of Quinn last year.