Graham Linehan Arrested at Heathrow Over X Posts as UK Free-Speech Row Intensifies
Graham Linehan faces charges for tweets deemed to incite violence against transgender individuals, sparking debate on free speech and policing in the UK.
- Graham Linehan was arrested at Heathrow Airport on September 1, 2025, by the Metropolitan Police for allegedly inciting violence in posts on X about transgender individuals.
- Following his arrest, Linehan was hospitalized due to high blood pressure and later released on bail with restrictions, including no social media posting.
- The arrest ignited controversy over free speech, with figures like JK Rowling condemning the action as excessive while critics argue that such arrests highlight a troubling trend of censorship in the U.K., as both sides react with outrage.
- Linehan is scheduled to appear in Westminster Magistrates' Court on a separate harassment case related to a transgender woman, as reported by various news sources.
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147 Articles
Graham Linehan: Father Ted creator to face trial over alleged harassment of transgender woman - days after arrest at Heathrow Airport over 'tweets'
Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan is set to face trial, accused of harassing a transgender woman, days after his arrest at Heathrow Airport over social media posts.
Sitcom writer says he was arrested over X posts critical of trans community
A sitcom writer says he was arrested at London’s Heathrow Airport this week, allegedly over posts he made on X. Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan said five armed officers approached him when he stepped off his flight in London from the United States and asked him about social media posts critical of the trans community. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the police actions, saying they’re tasked with "tackling anti-social behaviour, shop…
Republicans warn about spread of European online censorship to U.S. after Irish writer's arrest
Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan didn't attend Wednesday's House hearing on European online censorship, but his arrest by British police for anti-transgender social media posts encapsulated GOP concerns about the growing regulatory regime abroad and its threat to free speech at home.
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