Rielle Hunter sues for all profits from 'The Politician'

When you star in someone else's memoir, are you entitled to a share of that book's profits? Rielle Hunter, former mistress of 2008 presidential contender John Edwards and central character in Andrew Young's tell-all memoir "The Politician," reportedly wants more than a share. She is said to be suing Young for all profits from "The Politician" and from any movie that might be made based on the book.

Young's memoir tells of his efforts to help Edwards conceal his affair with Hunter, which included claiming that he himself and not Edwards was the father of Hunter's child.

Hunter alleges in court documents that Young used videos and photos illegally taken from her to help close his book deal – and possibly to make a movie deal as well.

Young, however, has said that he did not take the contested material illegally. Instead, he says, Hunter left the videos and tapes behind in a rented house. He also says that he never used them for profit but rather to corroborate his story.

In addition, Young has said, Hunter's own public discussion of her affair with Edwards on television and in other press interviews discounts any claims that he has invaded her privacy.

Hunter and Young are reported to have appeared in a Charlotte, N.C., courtroom last month, where Hunter spoke under oath.

Marjorie Kehe is the Monitor's book editor.

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