Graham Linehan, best known as the creator of the sitcom Father Ted, has revealed that he was arrested by five armed officers upon arriving at Heathrow Airport from Arizona.
The 57-year-old writer said he was detained over three social media posts deemed to be anti-trans, including one describing trans women in female-only spaces as violent.
Linehan claims the ordeal left him with dangerously high blood pressure that required hospital treatment.
His arrest has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum and cultural commentators.
Supporters argue it represents an overreach of policing powers, with figures such as J.K.
Rowling and Elon Musk denouncing the action as a threat to free expression.
Politicians including Robert Jenrick and Rupert Lowe also condemned the arrest as a waste of police resources, while government officials insisted it was an operational matter.
Linehan, who has previously faced bans from social media platforms and professional ostracism over his outspoken gender-critical views, is already fighting harassment and criminal damage charges linked to a separate incident.
His case adds fuel to ongoing debates around freedom of speech, policing priorities, and online regulation in the UK.
The controversy also highlights increasing political divides over how far the state should intervene in regulating online discourse, especially around gender identity.
Linehan, who also wrote Black Books and The IT Crowd, insists he will continue to speak out despite mounting legal and professional consequences.
Stars like Crispin Glover and Hattie McDaniel redefine narratives through script changes.
Lili Myers, the widow of Hairy Biker star Dave Myers, made a heartbreaking statement on his posthumous birthday, reflecting on his death from cancer.
Jeremy Renner says he received tremendous support and felt welcomed back to acting when he started filming Knives Out 3, his first film since his near-fatal accident.
A guest on Antiques Roadshow was shocked to learn his £5 junk shop statue, despite damage, is worth £1,000-£1,500.
In his new memoir 'The Book of Sheen', Charlie Sheen reveals for the first time that he was extorted by male sexual partners during his period of drug abuse.
Hayley Williams has dismissed speculation that Paramore is breaking up, stating that the band is simply on a routine, extended break.
BBC unveils trailer for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 featuring new professionals and returning judges.
A new epic period drama stars Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce, telling the story of a Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor in America in 1947.
Paul McCartney's iconic bass guitar, stolen in the 1970s, has been found and is the subject of a new documentary, 'The Beatle and The Bass'.
TV star Jeremy Clarkson posted a scathing verdict on Angela Rayner's resignation after the deputy Labour leader admitted to underpaying tax on a property.
Oscar Nunez reprises his role in The Paper, a new spin-off from The Office, and shares insights including a chilling coincidence.
Jeremy Clarkson criticizes Angela Rayner, Charlie Sheen reveals extortion in his memoir, and Hayley Williams addresses Paramore breakup rumors.
US rapper Post Malone has been forced to reschedule his two London stadium shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium because planned Tube strikes would prevent an adequate public transport service.
After a leave of absence, Sheinelle Jones has made an emotional return to the 'Today' show, speaking about navigating the grief of her husband's death and her 'fight for joy'.
French actor Gerard Depardieu has been ordered to stand trial on allegations of rape and sexual assault that date back to 2018, with his accuser expressing relief at the decision.
Georgia Tennant receives death threat on Facebook, sparking outrage and calls for better platform moderation.
Rising singer Chappell Roan has won acclaim with her debut headline tour, drawing comparisons to Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish.
Prince Harry has returned to the UK for a charity engagement, but speculation continues about strained relations with the royal family.
The latest instalment of the Alien saga, set on Earth, has earned a 95% audience score and strong critical acclaim for its mix of horror and drama.
Meghan Markle's lifestyle and cooking show, 'With Love Meghan,' has found success in its second series by featuring British guests and discussing her time in the UK.
Sheinelle Jones resumes her role on 'Today' following the loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh, to brain cancer.
Elizabeth Hurley kicks off her new Channel 4 game show The Inheritance by announcing she's 'dead,' pitting strangers against each other for her fortune.
Expert Mark Smith was moved by the story of Ronald Smith, who defused a bomb at St Paul's Cathedral during WWII, with artifacts valued at £15,000-£20,000.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s production company, Archewell Audio, has been dropped by Spotify after a 'disastrous' £20 million podcast deal that saw only one series of podcasts produced.
Meghan Markle has shut down the social media accounts for her lifestyle blog, 'With Love Meghan,' after fans noticed the pages were no longer active. The move follows her launch of the lifestyle brand 'As Ever' and a new TV series.
Steve Brown addresses his future on BBC's Escape to the Country, expressing desire to continue indefinitely.
Bemi Orojuogun, a London nurse known as Bus Aunty, has gained massive TikTok popularity by celebrating the city's iconic red double-decker buses.
A software delivery manager from Surrey named Leighton has revealed he applied for 'The Great British Bake Off' on a whim after a night of New Year's Eve celebrations.
French actor Gerard Depardieu has been ordered to stand trial on allegations of rape and sexual assault that date back to 2018, with his accuser expressing relief at the decision.
Coldplay have added more shows to their European tour after overwhelming demand, with tickets selling out in minutes across major cities.
