Hunter Biden’s ex-wife and former girlfriend testified Wednesday in his gun trial, revealing details about his drug use and personal life.
Jurors saw photos of the president’s son bare-chested in a bubble bath and learned about his visit to a strip club.
Kathleen Buhle, Hunter’s ex-wife, testified that she found a crack pipe on their porch and confronted him about his drug use. The trial, focusing on whether Hunter lied on a gun purchase form, has become a detailed exploration of his past struggles with addiction.
The trial is unfolding amidst concerns about its impact on President Joe Biden, who is deeply invested in his son’s well-being. Prosecutors argue that evidence of Hunter’s drug use is necessary to understand his state of mind during the gun purchase.
Hunter faces charges of lying on the form, illegally possessing the gun, and making false claims about drug use.
Jurors heard testimony from Gordon Cleveland, the former clerk who sold the gun to Hunter. Cleveland testified that Hunter answered “no” to a question about drug use on the form. Prosecutors argued that Hunter was a habitual drug user, citing evidence of his past drug-related issues.
Buhle testified about her worries over Hunter’s drug use, which ultimately led to their divorce in 2016. She recounted searching his car for drugs multiple times when their children were present. Despite Hunter’s denial of drug use in court, Buhle stated that he had admitted it to her.
Zoe Kestan, a former girlfriend of Hunter’s, testified about his drug use at a strip club in New York. She described seeing him smoke what she assumed was crack during a private session. Kestan detailed Hunter’s drug habits and where he kept his paraphernalia.
The trial also featured excerpts from Hunter’s memoir, “Beautiful Things,” which chronicles his struggles with addiction. Defence attorney Abbe Lowell argued that Hunter’s state of mind differed when he purchased the gun and when he wrote the book.
Hunter’s trial comes after the collapse of a plea deal with prosecutors and a separate tax case in California. He has pleaded not guilty and claimed unfair targeting by the Justice Department. House Republicans accused Hunter and Joe Biden’s brother, James Biden, of making false statements to Congress as part of an impeachment inquiry.
The trial has showcased Hunter’s messages, including some from a laptop left at a repair shop. Jurors are expected to hear from James Biden and learn about Hallie Biden’s addiction to crack. First lady Jill Biden has attended the trial to support Hunter.
If convicted, Hunter faces up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders typically receive less severe sentences. The trial unfolds amid the backdrop of Donald Trump’s recent convictions in New York City, highlighting the legal challenges prominent figures face in the 2024 campaign.
