Police arrested him on suspicion of “inciting violence” through a series of posts on X, reports the BBC, among others. Author JK Rowling calls the arrest “totalitarian.”
According to the Metropolitan Police, Linehan was arrested by officers from the MPS Aviation Unit – armed officers who did not draw their weapons. He was taken for questioning and then taken to hospital after his blood pressure had spiked. He later said from the hospital that he was doing well under the circumstances and was not in any danger.
The Posts
The posts in question, published in April, were said by authorities to encourage physical retaliation against people who identify as transsexual. Two of the three posts were written in connection with a photo from a demonstration for transsexuals. The first: “A photo you can smell.” In the second, Graham said that the trans movement is “misogynistic and homophobic” and concluded by saying that they can go to hell.
The third post is about trans men intruding into women-only spaces, like locker rooms. Linehan wrote: “If a trans-identified man is in a women-only space, he is committing a violent, offensive act. Make a scene, call the police, and if all else fails, punch him in the balls.”
‘Totalitarian State’
Britain has recently been characterized by increasingly open suppression of opinion and increasingly obvious double standards in the justice system, which more and more people have reacted against – to the point that criticism is now also coming from major media outlets and celebrities. Author JK Rowling immediately condemned it on social media:
“What the f*ck has become of Britain? This is totalitarianism. Absolutely deplorable.”
Elon Musk also reacted critically, calling Britain a “police state.”
Starmer Defends Arrest
The government declined to comment directly on the case, calling it a “police matter.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official spokesman added that they were “tackling anti-social behaviour.”
Linehan was released on bail with the explicit condition that he not be allowed to use the X platform. However, the ban does not apply to other social media platforms, and on his Substack he writes: “In a country where paedophiles escape conviction, where knife crime is out of control, where women are assaulted and harassed every time they gather to make themselves heard, the state has mobilised five armed police officers to arrest a comedian.”
Linehan is expected to appear in court soon, while also facing separate charges of harassment and property damage against a trans activist – which he denies.
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