Comedy Legend Graham Linehan arrested by 5 armed cops for a tweet

[Crimson Dynamo]

Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has been arrested at Heathrow on
suspicion of inciting violence over a series of gender-critical posts on the X
social media platform.

https://static.standard.co.uk/2025/09/02/10/18/Gz1H-CSXUAAdbWR.jfif?quality=75&auto=webp&width=560

Describing his dramatic arrest on his blog, Linehan wrote: “The moment I
stepped off the plane at Heathrow, five armed police officers were waiting. Not
one, not two—five. They escorted me to a private area and told me I was under
arrest for three tweets.”

“I was arrested at an airport like a terrorist, locked in a cell like a criminal,
taken to hospital because the stress nearly killed me, and banned from
speaking online—all because I made jokes that upset some psychotic
crossdressers.

“To me, this proves one thing beyond doubt: the UK has become a country
that is hostile to freedom of speech, hostile to women, and far too
accommodating to the demands of violent, entitled, abusive men who have
turned the police into their personal goon squad.”

One of Linehan’s posts on X from April 20 said: “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.”


A second tweet, on April 19, was a picture of a trans rally with the caption: “A
photo you can smell.”

The third was a follow up to this tweet which said: “I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. ******* em.”

He was released on bail and part of the bail conditions was he could not use X

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gz1VgNhW8AEYWzf?format=jpg&name=small

[Livia]

Shameful and bloody despicable. British police are shaming themselves. They seem to be the protectors of trans and migrants and little else.

[Vicky.]

Priorities..

[Cherie]

I was on my Next Door app the other day and a shop owner where I used to live posted a video of 3 boys who were harrassing his staff and stealing alcohol, he was appealing to the community to see if they were known to anyone, there had been multiple visits to the shop by these boys and multiple calls to the police who said they couldn't attend, on the video the boys left with bottles of wine... I guess the police were too busy at Heathrow apprehending people

[Crimson Dynamo]

J.K. Rowling
@jk_rowling
·
3h
What the **** has the UK become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable.

https://x.com/jk_rowling/status/1962847107343139014

[Glenn.]

Shame it was released

[Crimson Dynamo]

leilani dowding 🌸🚜 ☮️
leilaniDowding
So let me get this straight.
@Glinner
saying punch him in the balls is inciting violence. Yet gesturing to “slice their necks” to a crowd isn’t

This country the police, the government are insane

[Jordan.]

https://static.standard.co.uk/2025/09/02/10/18/Gz1H-CSXUAAdbWR.jfif?quality=75&auto=webp&width=560

A photo you can smell.

[Cherie]

https://static.standard.co.uk/2025/09/02/10/18/Gz1H-CSXUAAdbWR.jfif?quality=75&auto=webp&width=560

A photo you can smell.

Expect a visit mate

Thats how stupid this stuff is

[bots]

we are already in an authoritarian regime

[Mystic Mock]

He didn't break any laws with these tweets.:conf:

Why on earth are the police tolerating their time being wasted like this?

[thesheriff443]

There was a time when actions spoke louder than words
But now words will get more action than actual actions

[arista]

https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-a791ad3f-1cdb-4dd9-ba36-01d38ae10864.jpeg

[arista]

https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-a7144f3e-fee9-4a83-b6e5-6677573f09cf.png

[Cherie]

Shame it was released

Melts down if a trans is misgendered, no sense of irony

[Cherie]

He didn't break any laws with these tweets.:conf:

Why on earth are the police tolerating their time being wasted like this?

It's been like this for some time, with police spending their time on minor issues, and ignoring thugs going into shops and clearing the shelves, just easy targets isn't it

The same for peaceful protest, they turn out in numbers, but if your home is burgled they wont turn up

[arista]

He didn't break any laws with these tweets.:conf:

Why on earth are the police tolerating their time being wasted like this?


He was joking
but said : Kick them in the goolies


I assume that was viewed the wrong way....................



Update at the BBC Politics Live 11:15AM
changed what he tweeted
The presenter said punch him in the balls.

[Glenn.]

Melts down if a trans is misgendered, no sense of irony

No you don’t

[Vicky.]

It's been like this for some time, with police spending their time on minor issues, and ignoring thugs going into shops and clearing the shelves, just easy targets isn't it

The same for peaceful protest, they turn out in numbers, but if your home is burgled they wont turn up

Quite.

[Ammi]

…I don’t at all agree with this use of police resources but why do people in their tweets have to suggest or infer a physical aspect of harm/violence…they really just don’t need to and I can’t defend that either, what are we teaching our children…two wrongs just make a bigger wrong etc…

[arista]

…I don’t at all agree with this use of police resources but why do people in their tweets have to suggest or infer a physical aspect of harm/violence…they really just don’t need to and I can’t defend that either, what are we teaching our children…two wrongs just make a bigger wrong etc…


No
He is a Comedian

[Glenn.]

Being transphobic is hilarious I guess :shrug:

[Cherie]

…I don’t at all agree with this use of police resources but why do people in their tweets have to suggest or infer a physical aspect of harm/violence…they really just don’t need to and I can’t defend that either, what are we teaching our children…two wrongs just make a bigger wrong etc…

They were poor taste 'jokes' which he has admitted to

I note that trans activists holding signs in public calling for death to Terfs and decapitation are not subject to the same scrutiny

[Vanessa]

They were poor taste 'jokes' which he has admitted to

I note that trans activists holding signs in public calling for death to Terfs and decapitation are not subject to the same scrutiny

Exactly. Activist write death threats on social media on a regular basis, but no arrests.
Even when they murder children they have some people defending them. Absolute madness

[Glenn.]

How do you know the “death threats” aren’t jokes :think:

[Cherie]

Exactly. Activist write death threats on social media on a regular basis, but no arrests.
Even when they murder children they have some people defending them. Absolute madness

Death to J K Rowling, the only good TERF is a dead TERF, all perfectly acceptable to the police

[Vanessa]

Death to J K Rowling, the only good TERF is a dead TERF, all perfectly acceptable to the police

I think it's the medication they take. It affects their mental health. Hence the violence.
But god forbit someone writes a tweet the police doesn't like....

[arista]

The Chief of Police
has stated they are in an impossible position

Ref : ITV1HDnews Live/SkyNewsHD


This is the Poxy Labour Party at fault

The PM was asked a question about this arrest,
on PMQ's

[Ammi]

…so far as reports are suggesting, placards that inferred/suggested physical harm/violence were also scrutinised by the police…which still fits with my own thoughts that I can’t and don’t defend any suggestion of physical harm to anyone …so two wrongs with the police resources as well etc, as I said…

[arista]

…so far as reports are suggesting, placards that inferred/suggested physical harm/violence were also scrutinised by the police…which still fits with my own thoughts that I can’t and don’t defend any suggestion of physical harm to anyone …so two wrongs with the police resources as well etc, as I said…


It was a Joke

He said

[Ammi]

It was a Joke

He said

… potayto’s/potahto’s….a tweet/a joke/an expression/a view etc…all of them can and are expressed and with huge emotion by some… but with the absence of inferring/suggesting violence to anyone…

[Barry.]

Death to J K Rowling, the only good TERF is a dead TERF, all perfectly acceptable to the police

the only good TERF is a dead TERF I think is from the movie Starship Troopers where a man says the only good bug is a dead bug.

I think what he did was wrong, you don’t know what his fans would do to a trans person, however, 5 armed cops to arrest him?? What? Did they think he was armed? Like I don’t get it. They should be doing that to the rapists and murderers.

[Ammi]

…I read this earlier which is following on from/expanding on what Arista said…

Police left ‘between a rock and a hard place’ amid debate over Linehan arrest

The head of the police force that arrested Father Ted creator Graham Linehan said his officers are in “an impossible position” when dealing with statements made online, and should not be “policing toxic culture wars debates”.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said he would make suggestions to the Government about how laws governing social media posts could be changed, and is ready to test new approaches “within a matter of weeks”.

Asked about the arrest during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said police should focus on “the most serious issues”, like knife crime and violence, and that he would “always defend” the right to free speech.

The Met came under fire after Linehan, 57, was arrested at Heathrow Airport over three posts he had made on X about trans issues.

In his first statement after the controversy erupted, Sir Mark said: “While the decision to investigate and ultimately arrest the man was made within existing legislation, which dictates that a threat to punch someone from a protected group could be an offence, I understand the concern caused by such incidents given differing perspectives on the balance between free speech and the risks of inciting violence in the real world.

“Most reasonable people would agree that genuine threats of physical violence against an identified person or group should be acted upon by officers.


“Such actions can and do have serious and violent real-world implications.

“But when it comes to lesser cases, where there is ambiguity in terms of intent and harm, policing has been left between a rock and a hard place by successive governments, who have given officers no choice but to record such incidents as crimes when they’re reported.

“Then they are obliged to follow all lines of inquiry and take action as appropriate.

“I don’t believe we should be policing toxic culture wars debates and officers are currently in an impossible position.”

Writer Linehan was arrested at Heathrow on Monday after flying in from Arizona, on suspicion of inciting violence in posts on X.

He said he was stopped by five armed police officers, although it is understood this is because they were from the Met’s Aviation unit and routinely carry firearms.

One of the posts said: “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.”

Another was a photograph of a trans-rights protest, with the comment “a photo you can smell”, with a follow-up post saying: “I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. ******* em.”

After anger at his arrest Health Secretary Wes Streeting suggested the Government could look at legislation if the law is “not getting the balance right” on free speech.


…the full article as it’s very long ….

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/police-left-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place-amid-debate-over-linehan-arrest/a681478553.html

[bots]

genuine question. If you are in a bar and you turn to your friend and say ...."I'm going to kill you" Will the police arrest you in these times for that?

I honestly don't know what we can and cannot say in public anymore

[arista]

He was in the USA
flying back to the UK
and the Police tracked his flight.

Report Live on FoxnewsHD online only

[arista]

… potayto’s/potahto’s….a tweet/a joke/an expression/a view etc…all of them can and are expressed and with huge emotion by some… but with the absence of inferring/suggesting violence to anyone…


Adult Joke,
"kick him in the goolies"

[arista]

genuine question. If you are in a bar and you turn to your friend and say ...."I'm going to kill you" Will the police arrest you in these times for that?

I honestly don't know what we can and cannot say in public anymore


No.


It is a friend joking

[Livia]

genuine question. If you are in a bar and you turn to your friend and say ...."I'm going to kill you" Will the police arrest you in these times for that?

I honestly don't know what we can and cannot say in public anymore

I think the police will only turn up if the person you're talking to is an illegal migrant or a member of the "trans community", and by that I mean a man who imagines he's a woman. The police don't seem to be interested in anyone else.

[Livia]

the only good TERF is a dead TERF I think is from the movie Starship Troopers where a man says the only good bug is a dead bug.

I think what he did was wrong, you don’t know what his fans would do to a trans person, however, 5 armed cops to arrest him?? What? Did they think he was armed? Like I don’t get it. They should be doing that to the rapists and murderers.
What do you imagine his "fans" would do to a trans person? Nothing....

The only good terrorist is a dead terrorist, a phrase that predates Starship Troopers.

[Niamh.]

What do you imagine his "fans" would do to a trans person? Nothing....

The only good terrorist is a dead terrorist, a phrase that predates Starship Troopers.

And even earlier again (possibly the origin - 1860's)

"The only good Indian is a dead Indian"

https://www.jstor.org/stable/541345#:~:text=There%20exist%20numerous%20stereoty pes%20and,been%20named%20as%20its%20originator.

[Livia]

And even earlier again (possibly the origin - 1860's)

"The only good Indian is a dead Indian"

https://www.jstor.org/stable/541345#:~:text=There%20exist%20numerous%20stereoty pes%20and,been%20named%20as%20its%20originator.

I don't doubt it. I've heard it in all kinds of scenarios.

[arista]

Nigel Farage MP
has spoken in an interview
in Washington DC
Outside the Congress Building


Sticking up for the Irish Comedian
who was arrested

[Cherie]

Apparently there is guidance from the Home Office published in 2023 and this case meets none of the criteria for an arrest, so Mark Rowley has major egg on his face

[Vanessa]

Apparently there is guidance from the Home Office published in 2023 and this case meets none of the criteria for an arrest, so Mark Rowley has major egg on his face

He's suing the metropolitan police for wrongful arrest. I hope he takes them to the cleaners. They think they can what they want with no consequences whatsoever.

[Livia]

He's suing the metropolitan police for wrongful arrest. I hope he takes them to the cleaners. They think they can what they want with no consequences whatsoever.

I hope he does too.

[arista]

He's suing the metropolitan police for wrongful arrest. I hope he takes them to the cleaners. They think they can what they want with no consequences whatsoever.


Yes so he should

[arista]

Wes Streeting MP Health Sec.
spoke on Ch4HDnews.

Says it was an Honest Mistake.

Ch4HDnews reporter informed how she attacked
the Conservative MP's before she got into power

[Vanessa]

If there is such a law them why aren't they arresting those trans who regularly post death threats on social media? Why does the law does not apply to them?
Not saying they all do, obviously.

[Mystic Mock]

It's been like this for some time, with police spending their time on minor issues, and ignoring thugs going into shops and clearing the shelves, just easy targets isn't it

The same for peaceful protest, they turn out in numbers, but if your home is burgled they wont turn up

But deep down these police officers know that they need to be doing better than this.

They're supposed to be dealing with crime, not someone having a Political opinion.

[Mystic Mock]

He was joking
but said : Kick them in the goolies


I assume that was viewed the wrong way....................



Update at the BBC Politics Live 11:15AM
changed what he tweeted
The presenter said punch him in the balls.

But weren't that in the context of him saying for women to defend themselves if a Transwoman is potentially being a creep?

[Mystic Mock]

…I don’t at all agree with this use of police resources but why do people in their tweets have to suggest or infer a physical aspect of harm/violence…they really just don’t need to and I can’t defend that either, what are we teaching our children…two wrongs just make a bigger wrong etc…

That's a fair point.

[Mystic Mock]

genuine question. If you are in a bar and you turn to your friend and say ...."I'm going to kill you" Will the police arrest you in these times for that?

I honestly don't know what we can and cannot say in public anymore

This.

We're creating a dystopian society.

[arista]

Good of Nigel Farage MP to stick
up for this great comedy man.

He was Live on Every TV news,
Speaking in USA at
Congress House Judiciary Committee hearing
on Wednesday.


https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/03/in-congress-uks-nigel-farage-attacks-his-own-government-on-tech-rules-00541350

[Mystic Mock]

Good of Nigel Farage MP to stick
up for this great comedy man.

He was Live on Every TV news,
Speaking in USA at
Congress House Judiciary Committee hearing
on Wednesday.


https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/03/in-congress-uks-nigel-farage-attacks-his-own-government-on-tech-rules-00541350

Would Farage really change anything if he were to become PM?

He seems like a Charlatan to me.

[Cherie]

Would Farage really change anything if he were to become PM?

He seems like a Charlatan to me.

Nothing would change, he is all bluster

[Ammi]

Would Farage really change anything if he were to become PM?

He seems like a Charlatan to me.

Nothing would change, he is all bluster

…I mean, he lied us into Brexit with his false claims and was named the man who broke Britain and here we all are now and Britain is definitely broken in many ways, moreso than ever…and the person being looked to is the liar who played such a key part in taking the country there…not because he ‘can do’ but because how social media and populism works and plays that fiddle tune very finely…it’s crazy stuff…

[Mystic Mock]

Nothing would change, he is all bluster

I agree with you personally.

And I 100% agree with Ammi's post too.

I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him.

I want a fourth choice in this race, and actually fills me with confidence.

[Cherie]

Lib Dem councillor suspended over ‘violent’ pro-trans tweet
Ian Bristow tweeted a picture of a girl aiming a gun, along with the words “Shut the f--- up, Terf”

The Telegraph, behind a pay wall..so cant post the full news item

[Beso]

Send in the SAS.

[Vanessa]

Lib Dem councillor suspended over ‘violent’ pro-trans tweet
Ian Bristow tweeted a picture of a girl aiming a gun, along with the words “Shut the f--- up, Terf”

The Telegraph, behind a pay wall..so cant post the full news item

Anyone posting that kind if content should be banned from X. It's violent and surely it's against X policy?

[Liam-]

Calling for violence against groups of people will usually warrant a police intervention yes, whether you like the people it’s aimed at or not, if you like the idea of certain people being assaulted and think it’s okay to to threaten violent action against them, then yes, you should be spoken to, I don’t think that’s really controversial, people are just blinded by hatred of certain minority groups that all form of common sense goes out the window

[Gusto Brunt]

This country isn't becoming a joke.

It is now OFFICIALLY a joke.

Very sad. :(

[Barry.]

Calling for violence against groups of people will usually warrant a police intervention yes, whether you like the people it’s aimed at or not, if you like the idea of certain people being assaulted and think it’s okay to to threaten violent action against them, then yes, you should be spoken to, I don’t think that’s really controversial, people are just blinded by hatred of certain minority groups that all form of common sense goes out the window

I do agree, however, 5 armed police to arrest him, a bit extreme no?

[Liam-]

I do agree, however, 5 armed police to arrest him, a bit extreme no?

Yes, but I’d imagine that that’s a consequence of where he was arrested rather than the police’s interpretation on how serious his offence was

[Vanessa]

But why are some allowed to write violent posts on social media and on their protests?
I'm talking about transgender people.
Obviously they're not all like that, but the ones who write violent content are never arrested.

[Mystic Mock]

Calling for violence against groups of people will usually warrant a police intervention yes, whether you like the people it’s aimed at or not, if you like the idea of certain people being assaulted and think it’s okay to to threaten violent action against them, then yes, you should be spoken to, I don’t think that’s really controversial, people are just blinded by hatred of certain minority groups that all form of common sense goes out the window

If you look at the scenario that he was using (which was clever of him btw) there was nothing illegal that he stated in his tweet, the police did wrongfully arrest him as encouraging women to defend themselves from potential sex pests is not illegal.

And yes I can tell that the guy doesn't like Transwomen, but that still doesn't change the fact that the police had no legal right to arrest him.

But the one thing that Xi Jinping Jr has managed to achieve with encouraging the police to overstep their legal boundaries, is that people will be scared to make tweets like that again.

[arista]

He was just on GBnewsHD

[emseateng2014]

here we go again lol

[Crimson Dynamo]

Graham Linehan 🎗️
@Glinner
·
7h
Safely back in a country that values free speech. Thanks for keeping me
company on the flight, X. See you soon for more court-related antics!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G0cwBnqbcAAMDHz?format=jpg&name=small

[Crimson Dynamo]

Full details of the arrest and the aftermath in the video below

NXbTgp3mVYU


"To my knowledge, the Police have never arrested a Trans activist for a tweet to a feminist."

[emseateng2014]

if this happened in the old days imagine how many comedians would be arrested