Graham Linehan, the 57-year-old creator of Father Ted, said he was arrested at Heathrow Airport over social media posts about transgender issues. The writer was detained by five armed officers after arriving on a flight from Arizona on Monday.
Police told Linehan he was under arrest in connection with three posts published on X in April. He was taken to a police cell for questioning about the social media entries.
Content of the posts
One of the posts 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."
Another post featured a photograph of a trans rights protest with the comment "a photo you can smell". A follow-up post said: "I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F**k em."
Health concerns and bail
After police questioning, Linehan's blood pressure reached what he described as "stroke territory". Officers became concerned for his health and took him to hospital where he was kept under observation before being released on bail.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest without naming Linehan. A spokeswoman said: "On Monday, September 1 at 1pm officers arrested a man at Heathrow Airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight. The man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. This is in relation to posts on X."
The police statement added: "After being taken to police custody, officers became concerned for his health and he was taken to hospital. His condition is neither life-threatening nor life-changing. He has now been bailed pending further investigation."
Separately, Linehan is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday. He faces charges of harassing transgender woman Sophia Brooks and damaging her phone, which he denies.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
