Celebrated actor Sean Penn has voiced strong support for President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, characterizing the legal proceedings against Hunter as a politically driven "hit job." The pardon, granted in the closing weeks of Biden's presidency, covers a range of potential offenses committed between 2014 and 2024, including tax evasion and gun-related charges.
This decision has sparked controversy, with some Democrats criticizing Biden for reversing his earlier stance against such a pardon. However, Penn, in a recent interview with Variety, expressed pride in the president's action, stating, "Any father that didn’t do that would have been remiss." He further questioned the motives of anyone who wouldn't have pardoned their own child under similar circumstances.
Penn, who describes Hunter as a close friend and "one of the finest people I know," argued that the case against Hunter lacked substantial legal basis and was driven by political motivations. He claimed to have closely examined the case details and found the level of legal pursuit against Hunter to be unprecedented, given the specifics of the charges. He also implied that the impending Trump administration played a role in Biden's decision, referring to it as a "dangerous clown show."
The actor speculated that Biden might not have issued the pardon had he secured re-election in 2024. He interpreted the president's reversal not as a lie but as a shift in strategy based on changing circumstances. Penn expressed hope that Hunter, now free from legal burdens, would be able to dedicate himself to assisting others grappling with addiction. He highlighted Hunter's personal experience with substance abuse and his desire to support those facing similar challenges.
Following the pardon, Hunter Biden released a statement acknowledging his past mistakes and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to rebuild his life. He emphasized his commitment to sobriety and his intention to use his experience to help others struggling with addiction. He also addressed the public scrutiny he and his family have faced, attributing it to political motivations.
Fox News' Landon Mion contributed to this report.
Kristine Parks is an associate editor for Fox News Digital.
