Tensions have flared between Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan and his former Father Ted co-star Ardal O’Hanlon over Linehan’s views on transgender issues.
Linehan, 57, accused O’Hanlon of “smearing” him in the media after the actor shared his perspective on the controversy surrounding Linehan’s social media posts.
Linehan Faces Backlash Over Arrest
The dispute follows Linehan’s high-profile encounter with law enforcement last month.
After flying into Heathrow from Arizona, he was met by armed police and detained on suspicion of inciting violence over a series of anti-trans tweets.
By October, Linehan confirmed that he faced no further action from authorities, a development he shared publicly on X (formerly Twitter).
Former Colleagues Speak Out
O’Hanlon recently described feeling sorry for Linehan but admitted he was “baffled” by the writer’s involvement in so-called culture wars.
He said Linehan’s approach to discussing transgender issues has been confrontational, even as he continues to maintain good relationships with other members of the Father Ted cast.
Linehan, however, has been vocal in his rebuttal.
He took to X to highlight that O’Hanlon disagrees with his views on women’s single-sex spaces and fair sports, framing it as a personal attack rather than a debate.
“I just called [O’Hanlon] and he apparently disagrees with me that women deserve single-sex spaces, fair sports etc.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news,” he wrote.
Support and Criticism from Industry Figures
Linehan also referenced actress Amelia Bullmore, 61, who appeared in his co-written show Big Train.
Although Bullmore described Linehan as “irrepressibly clever” and “ingenious,” she acknowledged that the situation had become “an inflamed, insoluble mess,” reflecting the wider tensions surrounding the writer’s statements.
Legal Matters Concluded
In recent weeks, Linehan has addressed the legal consequences of his social media activity.
He revealed that the police have confirmed he faces no further action in relation to the Heathrow arrest.
With support from the Free Speech Union, he aims to hold authorities accountable, framing the case as part of a broader pattern of attempts to silence gender-critical voices.
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson confirmed:
“Following careful review of a file submitted by the Metropolitan Police, we have decided that no further action should be taken in relation to a man in his 50s who was arrested on 1 September 2025.”
Linehan’s Position on Gender Issues
Despite the controversy, Linehan remains outspoken about his stance on gender-related topics.
He emphasizes that his intent is not to incite violence but to defend women’s rights to single-sex spaces and fair sports competitions.
His ongoing clash with O’Hanlon underscores the broader cultural debate in the UK surrounding transgender rights, free speech, and public discourse.
A Rift Among Former Friends
The feud highlights how deep divisions over social issues can strain even long-standing professional and personal relationships.
While O’Hanlon continues to work amicably with other Father Ted cast members, his relationship with Linehan appears fractured, reflecting the polarizing nature of the debate.
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