Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, finds himself ensnared in a complex web of legal troubles that include both federal criminal trials and a contentious civil case involving his ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle. The high-stakes drama comes as Hunter faces charges of illegal gun possession and tax evasion, with Buhle expected to be a key witness in these trials.
Buhle, who was married to Hunter for 24 years before their split in 2017, claims he owes her $2.9 million in alimony and other debts. Their legal battle began in 2019, shortly after Hunter married his current wife, Melissa Cohen. According to court documents obtained by Axios, Hunter has been delinquent in his agreed-upon alimony payments, legal fees, and interest, exacerbating the financial and emotional toll on Buhle.
The divorce agreement stipulated that Hunter would pay Buhle $37,000 a month plus 50% of any earnings over $875,000 annually. However, Buhle's attorneys argue that Hunter failed to fulfill his financial obligations in 2017 and 2018, a period during which he reportedly earned over $2 million each year. The payments stopped entirely after Buhle filed her lawsuit, further deepening the financial rift between them.
The situation has only become more fraught with Hunter's recent legal troubles. He faces a federal trial next week for illegal gun possession and another trial in September for alleged tax crimes. Special Counsel David Weiss has included references to Hunter's financial disputes in his tax evasion indictment. Buhle's testimony is expected to shed light on Hunter's financial dealings and personal struggles during their marriage.
In January 2021, just after President Biden's inauguration, a D.C. court found Hunter in breach of his divorce agreement, ordering him to pay Buhle over $1.7 million in spousal support, legal fees, and interest. Despite this ruling, Hunter's financial obligations remain unmet, with Buhle's attorney Wendy Schwartz highlighting the ongoing emotional and financial strain on her client in an April 2023 court filing.
Hunter's attorneys have argued that his inability to pay is tied to his well-documented battle with drug addiction. However, Buhle's legal team contends that Hunter's financial irresponsibility predates and postdates his recovery, with slow-walked payments and continued non-compliance with court orders.
The legal battle has been particularly bitter, reflecting the broader turbulence in Hunter's life. In addition to his dispute with Buhle, Hunter has been involved in a high-profile child support case with Lunden Roberts, a former stripper with whom he shares a child. After years of denial and legal wrangling, a paternity test confirmed Hunter as the father, leading to a contentious court battle over child support payments, which was settled in June 2023.
Hunter's ongoing legal challenges have prompted his allies to consider establishing a legal defense fund, despite concerns about the political optics. This move underscores the gravity of Hunter's financial and legal predicament, as his legal troubles threaten to overshadow his father's re-election campaign.
The personal and legal fallout has not been limited to financial disputes. Hunter's trials are expected to reveal embarrassing details about the Biden family, providing fodder for political opponents, especially in the wake of Donald Trump's felony conviction. The trials' timing, coinciding with the 2024 election cycle, adds another layer of complexity to the Biden family's public narrative.
Despite the acrimonious split and ongoing legal battles, Hunter and Buhle must navigate their obligations as co-parents to their three children. Both have previously sought the services of high-profile Hollywood divorce attorney Laura Wasser, known for her ability to mediate contentious separations. Whether this will lead to a more amicable resolution remains to be seen.
As Hunter Biden prepares to face his federal trials, the financial and emotional strains of his past continue to haunt him. Buhle's anticipated testimony will likely be a pivotal moment, shedding light on Hunter's personal and financial conduct and potentially influencing the outcomes of his criminal proceedings. The intersection of personal drama and legal battles makes Hunter Biden's story a compelling and cautionary tale of public scrutiny and private turmoil.
