House Republicans are turning attention in their long-running investigation of Hunter Biden to the Hollywood attorney who helped pay the unpaid taxes and penalties that have ensnared the president's son in a lengthy legal dispute with the Department of Justice, CBS News has learned.
Three committee chairmen sent a letter Wednesday requesting a transcribed interview with Kevin Morris, an attorney known for crafting the lucrative licensing deal for the creators of "South Park" and who later won a Tony award as a co-producer of the hit musical "Book of Mormon." Morris, the author of two novels and a book of short stories, is now devoting significant time to the legal and media strategy for the president's son.
A source familiar with the financial arrangements confirmed to CBS News last year that he loaned money to Hunter Biden's to pay off more than $2 million in unpaid legal bills.
"It sure seems that the Bidens get a lot of 'loans' that raise many questions," House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, Republican of Kentucky, told CBS News in a statement. "These 'loans' have occurred both during Joe Biden's presidential campaign and presidency, which raise serious ethical concerns."
The financial arrangements are between Morris and Hunter Biden, not President Biden.
Morris told CBS News he declined to offer a response at this time. A spokesperson for Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, said he was reviewing the letter.
The letter to Morris from three House committee chairmen — Comer, Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan — expresses what they say is an interest in understanding "the nature and purpose of any loans to or payments on behalf of Hunter Biden that may have occurred while Joe Biden was either a candidate for public office or holding public office."
"Both public reporting and evidence reviewed by the Committees suggest that Kevin Morris had an expansive role as a financier, confidant, and would-be avenger for Hunter Biden," Smith, a Missouri Republican, said in a statement to CBS News. "It's time that Americans learn the truth about Kevin Morris's monetary contributions to the Biden family business dealings."
Congressional investigations typically need to be aimed at specific policy goals, and the letter to Morris indicates the Republican leaders are "seeking meaningful reforms to government ethics and disclosure laws that will provide necessary transparency into a Vice President's or President's immediate family members' income, assets, and financial relationships."
Attorney Morris Plays Key Role in Hunter Biden's Legal Battles
As Hunter Biden continues to face political, congressional, and legal challenges, attorney Morris has emerged as a strong advocate in his corner. While other attorneys have also represented Hunter Biden, Morris has been quietly working behind the scenes.
Sources familiar with the situation reveal that Morris has been engaged in discussions with Hunter Biden's legal team, attending court appearances, and conducting a forensic analysis and investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hunter Biden's laptop. This includes how the device became public.
During a recent interview with federal investigators, James Biden, the president's brother, was asked about Morris's support for Hunter Biden. James Biden acknowledged that Morris had befriended his nephew, but he was unsure of the details regarding their relationship.
According to interview notes made public by House Republicans, James Biden mentioned that the financial support provided by Morris was significant enough for Hunter Biden to ask him to express gratitude on behalf of the family.
Reports suggest that Morris is also working on a documentary project to chronicle Hunter Biden's personal experiences amidst the political and legal controversies. Congressional Republicans have expressed interest in understanding whether Morris had any ulterior motives in supporting the president's son.
In a letter addressed to Morris, the Committees have requested information regarding the loans he made to Hunter Biden and any benefits he may have received as a result of his financial assistance to the president's son.
