Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan announced on Monday that he is no longer under police investigation following his arrest in September, which had gained significant attention due to his social media posts.
The author of ‘Father Ted’, 57, shared an update via X, stating, “Police have informed my solicitor that no further action will occur regarding my arrest at Heathrow Airport in September. After a successful hearing to lift my bail conditions, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case,” he revealed.
Linehan was detained by five armed officers on September 1, on suspicion of inciting violence due to three posts on X that criticized transgender activists.
One controversial post stated: “If a man who identifies as transgender is in a women’s space, he is committing violent and abusive behavior. Make a scene, call the police, and if that doesn’t work, punch him in the balls.”
He termed his arrest as “the latest attempt to silence and suppress gender-critical voices on behalf of dangerous and insecure men.” This incident stirred backlash, including from the well-known author J.K. Rowling, who expressed her outrage, stating, “What has become of Britain? This is totalitarianism. It is absolutely deplorable.”
On Monday, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that the charges against Linehan had been dismissed.
Following this high-profile case, the Metropolitan Police also declared that they would cease investigating “non-criminal hate incidents.” London Underground referenced previous comments from Police Commissioner Mark Rowley, affirming that officers shouldn’t engage in policing contentious cultural discussions.
Rowley mentioned, “This will clarify instructions for officers, lessen ambiguity, and allow them to concentrate on issues that warrant criminal investigation.” A non-criminal hate incident is described as conduct perceived by others as motivated by hostility or prejudice towards individuals with specific traits.
Linehan has vocally opposed gender ideology, claiming he was marginalized by the British entertainment scene for advocating women’s rights. He had remarked that he relocated to the United States partly for stronger speech protections.
In his view, Britain is “no longer a truly free country,” asserting that individuals like him are unlikely to receive fair treatment in the UK.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Metropolitan Police Department for further comments.
