Actor Sean Penn defended President Biden, who granted his son a sweeping pardon this week, calling the now-cleared charges against Hunter “one of the gravest crimes.” [most] This is the worst hit job ever. ”
The pardon, issued in the final weeks of Biden's presidency, spares the president's son from future sentencing in two unrelated federal cases, including tax evasion charges and gun-related charges. The pardon covers not only these incidents, but also any crimes Hunter Biden “committed or may have committed” between January 1, 2014 and December 1, 2024.
The president faces anger from some Democrats for pushing through with the pardon on Sunday, despite repeatedly vowing not to do so.
But some strongly defended Biden's decision. Penn is in the latter camp, telling Variety that he is “proud” of the president.
Hunter Biden's confident demeanor in unearthed video raises questions about father's pardon plan
Sean Penn told Variety that he was “proud” that President Biden pardoned his son Hunter. (Omar Marquez/Getty Images)
“The father would have been negligent for not doing that,” Penn said. New interview with Variety. “I don't know if I'd want to have a beer with someone who wouldn't forgive Hunter Biden as their son.”
Penn called Hunter a “close” friend and “one of the finest people I know,” and suggested the lawsuit against the younger Biden was politically motivated. “Existentially insane” and “a hit-and-miss job,” he said.
“I have been researching this case because I am close to him,” he said. “And while there are technicalities in one of the cases related to misconduct, there is little precedent for the acts of aggression for which he was charged.”
Penn said he believed President Biden's decision was heavily influenced by the immediate threat posed by President-elect Donald Trump's administration, calling it a “dangerous clown show.”
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Pictured are Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, and Donald Trump. (Reuters/Getty/AP Images)
He doubted that Biden would have pardoned his son had he won the 2024 election.
“I don't think it was a lie. I think it was a change of heart and circumstances,” he explained.
The actor said he's glad his eldest son now has the “time and space” to potentially help those struggling with substance abuse.
“He is one of the most severely addicted people and has so much to offer to those who are suffering and their families,” Penn said of Hunter Biden. “And I'm glad he may now have the time and space to be able to provide that kind of support to people. I know that's what he wants to do.”
In a statement after his pardon, Hunter Biden said he would not take his pardon for granted and would dedicate his life to helping those struggling with addiction.
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Hunter Biden vowed to not take the pardon for granted and to make amends after President Biden granted him a pardon this week. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
“I have acknowledged and taken responsibility for the mistakes I made during the darkest days of my addiction. Those mistakes were exploited to publicly humiliate and humiliate me and my family as political sport. ” he said in a statement to Fox News. “Despite all of this, I have been able to maintain sobriety for over five years thanks to my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends.”
“In the throes of addiction, I have wasted many opportunities and advantages,” he continued. “If we never take for granted the mercy given to us, we will have the opportunity to make as much amends and rebuild our lives as possible during our recovery. I'm going to dedicate my life to that.''I have turned my back to helping those who are still suffering from this disease. ”
FOX News' Landon Mion contributed to this report.
