Father Ted Creator Graham Linehan Arrested at Heathrow Over Trans Posts

Graham Linehan, the Irish co-creator of Father Ted and The IT Crowd, was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport on suspicion of inciting violence related to three posts he made on X about transgender issues. The arrest involved five armed officers who detained him after his flight from Arizona, and during questioning, his high blood pressure prompted a hospital visit before he was released on bail with a condition prohibiting him from using X. One of the contentious posts stated that a trans-identified male in a female-only space was committing a violent, abusive act and encouraged calling the police or physical resistance. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest but emphasized that while officers at airports carry firearms, no weapons were drawn during the incident. The arrest has sparked significant backlash from figures including author JK Rowling, who condemned it as a threat to free speech in the UK, and politicians who called for a reconsideration of policing priorities. Linehan is also due to face trial on separate charges related to harassment and criminal damage involving a transgender activist.