The son of President Joe Biden has said there is “no evidence” to suggest his father was involved in his business, as he arrived to give evidence to an impeachment probe investigating the US leader.
Hunter Biden told reporters outside the US Capitol: “My father was not financially involved in my business.
“During my battle with addiction, my parents were there for me.
“They literally saved my life, helped me in ways that I will never be able to repay. And of course, they would never expect me to. And in the depths of my addiction, I was extremely irresponsible with my finances.
“But to suggest that is grounds for an impeachment inquiry is beyond the absurd. It’s shameless.”
He also hit out at Republican investigators looking into his business dealings, insisting he would only testify before a congressional committee in public.
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The Democratic president‘s son claimed his testimony could be manipulated after being handed a subpoena requesting a closed-door hearing.
James Comer of Kentucky (Republican), the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has said members expect “full cooperation” with demands.
The session was scheduled for Wednesday.
Hunter Biden said: “What are they afraid of? I’m here, I’m ready.”
He said he was offered a choice to come in for depositions or committee hearings.
“Well, I’ve chosen. I’m here to testify at a public hearing today to answer any of the committee’s legitimate questions.”
Last week, Hunter Biden was criminally charged for tax-related offences in California, with a federal investigation into his financial conduct under way.
The president’s son has been indicted on nine counts – three felonies and six misdemeanours – by special counsel David Weiss who is investigating his business dealings for the Department of Justice.
“There is no fairness or decency in what these Republicans are doing,” he said on Wednesday.
“They have lied over and over about every of my personal and professional life.
“So much so that lies have become the false facts believed by too many people.
“No matter how many times it is debunked, they continue to insist that my father’s support of Ukraine against Russia is the result of a non-existent bribe.”