Hunter Biden says father Joe Biden’s stage 4 prostate cancer has spread into his bones: ‘It’s very painful’ and ‘sad to watch’
Hunter Biden said his father, former President Joe Biden, has stage 4 prostate cancer that has spread to his bones and beyond, describing his condition as “very painful” and “very debilitating” in an emotional interview with BBC’s Newsnight.
“The cancer has spread, is metastasized into his bones and further,” Hunter said. “It’s very painful.”
Speaking with Newsnight presenter Paddy O’Connell, the 56-year-old became emotional while describing the impact of his father’s illness on their family.
“It’s very painful, and it’s very debilitating in many respects. But he’s still out there,” Hunter said.
Several months after leaving the White House, the former president announced in May 2025 that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The 83-year-old began radiation therapy and hormone treatment several months later.
Hunter Biden’s struggle
Hunter struggled to maintain his composure as he described his father’s decline.
“It’s really, really hard and it’s really sad to watch,” he told the BBC, adding, “I wish he would complain more — because it’s not good.”
Hunter said his father remains “the center of our family,” not only because of his public role but because of “who he is to each one of us,” including his grandchildren and great-grandchild.
A spokesman for the former president declined to comment on Hunter’s remarks.
Diagnosis was more serious than initially understood
Medical experts have described Joe’s diagnosis as serious. His cancer carried a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, indicating a high likelihood of rapid progression.
When Joe’s diagnosis was initially announced, his team said the prognosis was good and that treatment would involve medication. Hunter’s account now indicates the disease has progressed beyond the bone metastases disclosed at the time of diagnosis.
Jill Biden, meanwhile, has said her husband will live with the disease permanently. She said the cancer cannot be cured because it has spread to his bones and that he must undergo testing every three months and remain under continuous monitoring.
The former first lady has also rejected claims that her husband concealed his diagnosis while in office, saying his symptoms developed gradually.
Hunter Biden’s pardon and his political future
Hunter also discussed the full and unconditional pardon his father granted him in December 2024, covering federal gun and tax-related convictions.
Asked whether the pardon was good for the country, the Constitution or his father’s legacy, Hunter told the BBC, “No, on all counts.”
He acknowledged the political damage caused by the decision but said he remains deeply grateful, describing himself as uniquely privileged to have received the pardon.
The wide-ranging interview also addressed Hunter’s political future. He said he will not seek elected office himself.