Irish Comedy Writer Graham Linehan Arrested at Heathrow Over Social Media Posts

 

Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan, known for Father Ted and The IT Crowd, was detained by five armed officers at Heathrow Airport on August 27, 2025, upon returning from the United States. The Metropolitan Police arrested Linehan on suspicion of inciting violence through social media posts, clarifying that firearms were not drawn during the incident. The arrest has ignited fierce debate in the United Kingdom over free speech and police actions.

Author JK Rowling condemned the arrest as “deplorable” and “totalitarian” on X, while Elon Musk labeled Britain a “police state” on the platform. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage vowed to raise the issue with U.S. lawmakers, calling it an attack on freedom. In contrast, Green Party leader Zack Polanski defended the arrest as a proportionate response to potential online harm but criticized the use of armed officers as excessive. The incident has fueled broader discussions about the balance between regulating online content and protecting free expression.

See also: Maine mass shooting survivors sue US over claims of Army's negligence