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Father Ted creator Graham Linehan has said he may never return to Britain as he told of being arrested at Heathrow Airport.
The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer was arrested after flying in from Arizona on Monday over three posts he had made on X about transgender issues.
Linehan, who now lives in the United States, told The Times: “What happened to me on Monday was almost the perfect finale to my time in the UK.
“I decided to leave Britain because it really is impossible for me to stay. I just don’t have freedom of speech in this country.
“I am just so happy in America … I don’t think I’ll ever come back to Britain.”
Linehan, who has separately appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court over the past few days accused of harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks, said Met officers arresting him at the airport was “the greatest mistake they could have made”.
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Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan
He said he was stopped by five armed police officers, although it is understood this is because they were from the Met’s Aviation unit and routinely carry firearms.
He was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence in posts on X.
In a clip published online, Linehan can be heard reacting with disbelief as he is stopped by officers.
He tells one officer: “I’m a f****** comedy writer, I wrote Father Ted. Are you a f****** idiot?… It’s just disgraceful.”
When told he is under arrest, he shouts: “Holy shit, I don’t f****** believe it, do you know what this country looks like to America?,” before repeating “I’m going to sue you into the ground” several times.
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Graham Linehan has separately appeared in court this week charged with harassment
He calls the officers “f****** bastards” and shouts “how dare you” before they urge him to calm down.
Following the arrest, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said his officers should not be “policing toxic culture wars debates” and had been left in an impossible position implementing the law as it stands.
Linehan has denied one count of harassing Sophia Brooks on social media between 11-27 October 2024, and a further charge of criminal damage of Ms Brooks’ mobile phone on 19 October 2024.
The trial was adjourned and will resume on 29 October, with Linehan released on bail.