UK comedy writer Graham Linehan arrested over social media posts criticizing trans activists
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The co-creator of the U.K. sitcom “Father Ted” was arrested at London Heathrow Airport on Monday allegedly over several social media posts criticizing transgender activists. 

Graham Linehan recounted the ordeal on his Substack, saying there were signs of something strange happening before he landed in London. 

According to the former comedy writer, a gate agent in the U.S. said he did not have a seat on his flight back home and needed to be issued a new ticket – something he didn’t think much of at the time. However, since the arrest, Linehan wrote on Substack that he believes he was flagged because “someone, somewhere, probably wearing unconvincing make-up” made a call.

“Harry Potter” creator J.K. Rowling, who has also been an outspoken critic of trans activism, slammed the arrest, writing “What the f— has the U.K. become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable.”

Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe said, “Linehan today, you tomorrow. Make your objections known now.”

“Britain is now a total laughingstock – a country where we arrest the authors of light comedies and interrogate them about their tweets. It would be laughable if it wasn’t so serious,” Conservative Party MP Neil O’Brien wrote on X after the arrest.

Additionally, conservative activist Robby Starbuck slammed the U.K., saying the country has “no free speech” and that “the feelings of transgenders [and] migrants come before the rights of everyone else.”

JK Rowling, transgender protestor

J.K. Rowling speaks up on transgender people invading women’s spaces. (Getty Images)

The Free Speech Union, an organization dedicated to the defense of freedom of expression, also condemned the arrest and vowed to support Linehan.

“We do not believe Graham’s arrest or the bail conditions imposed were lawful. We will be backing him all the way in his fight against these preposterous allegations and the disproportionate response from the police,” the organization wrote on X.

Lord Toby Young of Acton confirmed to Fox News Digital that the Free Speech Union would be paying for Linehan’s legal team.

“The over-zealous policing of social media posts by the British police is turning the country into an international laughingstock,” Young told Fox News Digital. “It’s particularly egregious, given that the police only respond to one in five shoplifting offenses and 75% of burglaries went unsolved last year. They are policing our tweets at the expense of policing our streets.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
White House memo argues furloughed workers not guaranteed backpay

White House Memo Claims Furloughed Workers May Not Receive Backpay

A draft memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is…
AG Pam Bondi testifies before Senate Judiciary Committee

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Blue city erupts as 91-time felon tries to dodge prison, weasel into rehab after crash

Blue city erupts as 91-time felon tries to dodge prison, weasel into rehab after crash

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A career criminal is…
Arby’s launches new Steak Nuggets for a limited time

Arby’s Introduces Limited-Time Steak Nuggets

The chain’s new limited-time offering features bite-sized, hand-cut steak pieces seasoned with…
2 Texas Department of Criminal Justice employees arrested at Clements Unit for homicide, manslaughter, 2 others fired

Two Employees from Texas Department of Criminal Justice Arrested for Homicide and Manslaughter at Clements Unit; Two More Dismissed

Update: 1:20 p.m. AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – Officials with the Potter County…
Ominous warning for humanity as birds adopt 'unsettling' behavior

“Concerning Signs for Humanity as Birds Display ‘Unusual’ Behavior”

Birds throughout the US have adopted a disturbing habit that could have…
George Clooney admits to past drug use but says 'it was never a big issue for me at all'

George Clooney Acknowledges Previous Drug Use, Stating ‘It Was Never a Major Problem for Me’

George Clooney has shared insights about his youthful drug experiences, admitting to…
US liquor exports to Canada drop 85 percent

US Alcohol Exports to Canada Plunge by 85%

(The Hill) – United States liquor exports to Canada declined by 85…