Graham Linehan, co-creator of Father Ted has staunchly defended his gender-critical views, claiming he has been “proved right in every f***ing regard.”
A vocal critic of trans ideology and activism, Linehan has faced significant personal and professional losses due to his stance, including losing his TV career, wife, friends, and reputation. Despite the setbacks he remains resolute in his beliefs, criticising fellow satirists for not addressing the trans debate. Linehan’s controversial opinions have led to his ban from Twitter in 2020 and exclusion from the theatre adaptation of Father Ted despite his significant contributions to the original show.
Linehan visited New Zealand in March as a guest of the Free Speech Union, where he spoke on the ‘epidemic of cancellation and censorship’, prevalent in woke-minded legacy institutions like universities and the mainstream media.
Linehan’s frustration extends to prominent writers like Armando Iannucci, Chris Morris, Jon Ronson, and Russell T Davies, who he believes have failed to condemn issues such as puberty blockers and single-sex rape crisis centres. He likens the trans debate to an episode of Brass Eye calling it a “self-perpetuation” scenario ignored by contemporary satirists.
Despite his professional isolation, Linehan continues to voice his opinions, recently expressing vindication following the Cass Review’s critical report on NHS transgender treatment for children. He attributes the collapse of his 16-year marriage to the financial instability caused by his views and remains a contentious figure in the ongoing debate over gender identity and trans rights, he told the Daily Mail.
