Hunter Biden told BBC Newsnight that his father, former President Joe Biden, is facing a worsening cancer diagnosis that has spread beyond the prostate. He described the situation as "not good," saying the disease has metastasized to the bones and is causing significant pain and debilitation. The White House previously reported a Gleason score of 9 with bone metastasis but noted the tumor appeared hormone-sensitive and treatment options were under review.
Hunter Biden: "It's Not Good" — Son Says Joe Biden's Cancer Has Spread
Former President Joe Biden with his son, Hunter (Credit: Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Hunter Biden delivered a somber update Friday about his father, former President Joe Biden, telling BBC Newsnight that the president's prostate cancer has progressed and "it's not good." Speaking with presenter Paddy O'Connell, Hunter described the emotional toll of watching the family patriarch confront a worsening illness.
"It's really tough, Paddy. And that's the real answer," Hunter said, fighting back emotion. "My dad in our family is – excuse me – my dad is, to this day and it remains, the center of our family. Not just because of who he is, as the public person. But completely because of who he is to each one of us."
Hunter called his father the family's "rock," saying Joe Biden has supported each family member in ways that are difficult to put into words. He defended his father's character beyond politics: "Whatever you think about his politics or the decisions that he made, I can tell you this, he's the best father, the best husband, the best grandfather..."
"Because, it's not good. The cancer has spread. It's metastasized into his bones and further. It's very painful and it's very debilitating in many respects. But, he's still out there. He's still doing his thing."
Medical Background
The White House first disclosed the prostate cancer diagnosis in May of last year, reporting a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. Officials said the cancer appeared to be hormone-sensitive, which can allow for effective management, and that Biden and his family were reviewing treatment options with physicians.
Family Perspective
Hunter emphasized that while the family's struggle is deeply personal, it is also a common one: "Everyone has someone in their family that has cancer," he said. He expressed frustration that his father does not complain more about the pain, reflecting the difficulty relatives often face watching a loved one endure treatment and symptoms.
The Bidens have not issued further public medical updates beyond the initial statement. The family and their representatives have asked for privacy as treatment plans are considered and adjusted.
Note: TheWrap reached out to the Bidens for comment.
Help us improve.
