Latest news with #FATHERTed
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Father Ted creator Graham Linehan vows to continue trans rights fight after pleading not guilty to hate crime charges
He is accused of abusing trans activist Sophia Brooks on social media and smashing her phone in October TRANS RAP Father Ted creator Graham Linehan vows to continue trans rights fight after pleading not guilty to hate crime charges Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FATHER Ted writer Graham Linehan vowed to continue criticising trans rights as he denied hate crime charges in court. The five-time Bafta award winner, 56, pleaded not guilty to harassment and criminal damage. He is accused of abusing trans activist Sophia Brooks on social media and smashing her phone in October. They are described by prosecutors as hate crimes — but Linehan remained defiant after his court appearance yesterday. He told supporters outside Westminster magistrates court: 'I have pleaded not guilty and will defend this case at trial. In doing so, there is far more at stake than my own name. For six years, ever since I began defending the rights of women and children against a dangerous ideology, I have faced harassment, abuse and threats. 'I have lost a great deal but I am still here and I will not waver in my resolve.' The IT Crowd co-creator, who has also written for Brass Eye and The Fast Show, has a long-standing history of criticising the trans-rights movement. He has previously said that the charges relate to an incident at the Battle of Ideas conference in London last year. The Ireland-born writer was bailed at yesterday's hearing on the condition he does not contact his alleged victim. His trial was set for the same court on September 4. Dozens of supporters, many unable to get inside owing to a lack of space, greeted Linehan outside the court. He thanked them for the support, also urging people to join the Free Speech Union.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Graham Linehan pleads not guilty to harassment of transgender woman
FATHER Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has pleaded not guilty to harassing a transgender woman and damaging her phone. The Irish comedy writer, 56, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday to deny the charges of harassing Sophia Brooks on social media and damaging her mobile in October. The Bafta-winning writer, who also came up with TV sitcoms The IT Crowd and Black Books, has become a strong vocal critic of the trans rights movement in recent years. Linehan, who created Father Ted in the 1990s with fellow Irish writer Arthur Mathews, said in a post on X in April that the allegations were related to an incident at the Battle of Ideas conference in London on October 19. Court documents show Linehan is charged with harassing the alleged victim by posting abusive comments about her on social media between October 11 and October 27, and damaging her phone to the value of £369 on the day of the conference. Speaking outside of the court, Linehan said: "For six years, ever since I began defending the rights of women and children against a dangerous ideology, I have faced harassment, abuse and threats. 'I've lost great deal, but I am still here, and I will not waver in my resolve.' Deputy District Judge Louise Balmain told Linehan his trial would take place on September 4 this year at the same court. He was freed on bail with the condition not to contact the complainant directly or indirectly.
The Sun
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan charged with criminal damage and harassment
FATHER Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has been charged with criminal damage and harassment. The five-time Bafta award winner, also known for writing The IT Crowd, Black Books and Motherland will appear in court on May 12. It's believed the charges are related to an incident at the Battle of Ideas festival on October 19 last year. Mr Linehan has had a longstanding history of criticising the trans-rights movement. He told the Mirror: "This is part of a long history of the police acting as a goon squad for trans rights activists." The award-winning writer also shared a post about the alleged victim adding: "I look forward to exposing him and them in court." A CPS spokesperson said: "Graham Linehan is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court for a first hearing to face charges of harassment without violence and criminal damage on 12 May." 1
Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan charged with criminal damage and harassment
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FATHER Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has been charged with criminal damage and harassment. The five-time Bafta award winner, also known for writing The IT Crowd, Black Books and Motherland will appear in court on May 12. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up It's believed the charges are related to an incident at the Battle of Ideas festival on October 19 last year. Mr Linehan has had a longstanding history of criticising the trans-rights movement. He told the Mirror: "This is part of a long history of the police acting as a goon squad for trans rights activists." The award-winning writer also shared a post about the alleged victim adding: "I look forward to exposing him and them in court." A CPS spokesperson said: "Graham Linehan is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court for a first hearing to face charges of harassment without violence and criminal damage on 12 May."
