'Father Ted' Creator Arrested Over Transgender Posts

story

7 days ago

Above: Graham Linehan speaks to the media in London, U.K. on May 12, 2025. Image copyright: Lucy North/PA Images/Getty Images

story last updated 6 days ago

The Spin

Left narrative

Europe's backslide on LGBTQ+ rights, not Linehan's arrest, is the real issue. Far-right politicians weaponize trans issues, fueling hate crimes and violence. Laws banning LGBTQ+ events and speech, like Hungary's Pride ban, marginalize communities and erode democracy. While Linehan complains about not being able to harass minorities, his anti-trans movement is causing real, physical harm to the LGBTQ+ community.

The Guardian X

Right narrative

This arrest is patently absurd. Armed police targeting a comedian for his fact-based views is chilling and Orwellian. The U.K.'s obsession with policing speech, especially truths like "men can't be women," must end. Free expression has been under attack for a while now, with compelled language enforcing delusion over reality. This authoritarian trend threatens everyone's rights.

The Telegraph X

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 50% chance that the England and Wales prison population will be at least 129 per 100,000 five years after Labour's election victory, according to the Metaculus prediction community.