Irish Writer Graham Linehan Arrested by Five Armed Officers at Heathrow Over US Social Media Posts

London – Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan was arrested by five armed officers at Heathrow Airport on Monday, September 1, 2025, upon his return from Arizona, United States. The arrest was made on suspicion of inciting violence, related to three social media posts Linehan made on X (formerly Twitter) in April while he was in the US. This incident has ignited a heated debate in the UK and internationally regarding free speech and the territorial reach of British law.

Linehan, co-creator of popular sitcoms "Father Ted" and "The IT Crowd," has become a prominent figure in the gender-critical movement. One of the specific posts cited in his arrest stated, "If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls." Linehan has denied that his posts constituted a call to violence and was later released on bail, with a condition reportedly preventing him from posting on X.

The arrest has drawn strong reactions from various public figures. Author J.K. Rowling described the situation as "totalitarianism" and "utterly deplorable," while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage cited Linehan's arrest during testimony to the US House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee, questioning whether Britain had become "North Korea." Conversely, Green Party leader Zack Polanski deemed Linehan's posts "totally unacceptable" and the arrest "proportionate."

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley acknowledged the controversy, stating that the decision to arrest Linehan was made within existing legislation, which considers threats against protected groups an offense. However, Rowley also called for "greater clarity and common sense" in the law, noting that officers are often placed in an "impossible position" when navigating "toxic culture wars debates" online. He urged the government to clarify laws to focus police resources on cases presenting "real threats in the real world."

This arrest is distinct from a separate, ongoing legal matter where Linehan faces charges of harassment and criminal damage against an 18-year-old transgender activist, Sophia Brooks. That trial, which began on Thursday, hears allegations that Linehan "relentlessly" published offensive posts about Ms. Brooks and damaged her phone during a confrontation in October 2024. The latest incident at Heathrow further highlights the complex intersection of online speech, legal jurisdiction, and public discourse in the digital age.