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John Edward Explains Why He Refuses to Do Psychic Readings Live on Air
Celebrity psychic John Edward, currently touring Australia for a series of mediumship events, has once again become a talking point after an awkward exchange on the set of The Project. Known for his controversial psychic readings and his popular TV show "Crossing Over," Edward has found himself at the center of debate—not just about his abilities, but about the ethics and boundaries of conducting sensitive readings in real time.
Why John Edward Turned Down a Live Reading
During a recent appearance on The Project, host Sam Taunton asked Edward if he “was feeling anything from anyone at the desk right now.” Edward, candidly, responded, “Not at the moment, not at the moment,” prompting co-host Waleed Aly to joke, “Well, I could have done that!” The hosts’ laughter quickly made things uncomfortable, leaving Edward to clarify his decision not to perform live readings on broadcast television.
Edward revealed the underlying reason is a matter of privacy and sensitivity. He recalled a troubling incident from years earlier when, during a live radio show with a Christian conservative host, the topic of a private abortion came up during the commercial break. Edward explained that, had he revealed this detail on-air, it could have caused serious embarrassment or harm. The host admitted off-air that he would have lied about it to protect himself, as even his family listened to the show.
Edward said, “If I read for a host of a show and I get something private, this is not taped, it’s live, and it’s not something that someone wants to discuss publicly, you’re going to say no.” This experience solidified his policy to refuse live readings, protecting both his own integrity and the privacy of those involved.
Addressing the Skeptics
Despite ongoing controversy and skepticism—critics often accuse him of using “cold reading” techniques—Edward remains unfazed. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, he acknowledged that doubt is part of his profession but insists he only welcomes such challenges if people are open-minded and willing to seek evidence or validation. “I think we’re living at a time on the planet where people’s critical thinking skills need to be really sharpened and addressed,” he said, referencing the rise of AI and misinformation on social media. For Edward, healthy skepticism is important, but outright dismissal or hostility, particularly without conversation, is problematic.
Maintaining Boundaries in Mediumship
The viral moment on The Project, complete with panel laughter and an awkward explanation, underscores a broader ethical debate around spiritual readings on public platforms. As mediumship blends elements of entertainment, counseling, and spiritual practice, practitioners like Edward face the challenge of balancing audience expectations with personal ethics and client dignity.
His refusal to do live readings isn’t just about shielding himself from difficult moments; it’s also about safeguarding his guests from potentially life-altering revelations being aired without their explicit consent. In a world increasingly fascinated by celebrity and exposure, Edward’s method suggests a rare instance of restraint.
John Edward’s Ongoing Connection with Australia
Despite the occasional controversy, Edward holds a long-standing affection for Australia. He described the country’s energetic community spirit and the warm welcome he receives every visit. “Australians always make me feel welcome,” he said, emphasizing how he looks forward to returning for his live events.
A Brief Look Back at Edward’s Career
John Edward first rose to fame in 2001 with his show "Crossing Over," where he claimed to connect the living with the deceased. Over the years, his supposed psychic gifts have been challenged frequently, but he notes that his visibility on TV was a byproduct—not the focal point—of his life’s work. “I never woke up and decided, ‘I’m going to be a world famous medium’,” Edward said in a previous interview with news.com.au. “And I never wanted to be on TV, it was an opportunity that came as a byproduct of my work.”
For those interested in more behind-the-scenes moments and candid interviews from major celebrities, subscribing to entertainment newsletters like the Daily Mail’s showbiz letter can provide regular updates and insights.
Further Reading and Sources
Curious readers can learn more about the debate around psychic mediums, privacy, and the ethics of live television in articles from reputable outlets like The Daily Telegraph and news.com.au. For context on Edward’s career controversies and ongoing events, the Daily Mail regularly publishes updates and interviews. You can find Edward’s recent thoughts and upcoming events discussed on mainstream news and entertainment platforms, as well as past interviews with in-depth details on his motivations and beliefs.
For more on John Edward’s recent appearance and the larger conversation about the ethics of psychic readings, check out news reports on The Project, along with commentary and discussions on social platforms and YouTube. For readers who want to stay updated on breaking entertainment stories—including celebrity mishaps and headline-making interviews—signing up for the Daily Mail’s newsletter is recommended.
Learn more about John Edward and “Crossing Over” on the official TV show page, and explore critical perspectives on cold reading and mediumship on various psychology resources. For those interested in exploring public reactions, platforms like Instagram and Twitter often feature lively discussion around Edward’s most recent appearances and candid on-air moments.
Photos of John Edward’s recent media appearances and the full story on his live TV interview can be seen on the Daily Mail’s official page. For more about Waleed Aly and The Project, you can visit the show’s official cast profiles and behind-the-scenes content.
