It's like a political edition of "The Maury Povich Show"... but even more disturbing.

Two-time former presidential candidate and retired North Carolina Senator John Edwards has finally (and fully) come clean.

Edwards did, in fact, father a 2-year-old child with former mistress, Rielle Hunter.

The announcement came Thursday morning on NBC's Today show.

Attorneys for the disgraced former senator revealed that Edwards has provided financial support for the child for better than a year and a "child support agreement" is now in place.

In a public statement drafted to NBC, Edwards admits: "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."

"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."

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

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Image via NBC