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Graham Linehan Receives Settlement From Met over Arrest for Social Media Posts
The force apologised and paid Linehan £25,000 after a civil claim over his arrest for transgender-related posts on X.
On Thursday, the Metropolitan Police reached a civil settlement with Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan, awarding him £25,000 over his arrest for social media posts.
Police arrested the 58-year-old at Heathrow Airport in September on suspicion of inciting violence over three posts, though he was later cleared of harassing Sophia Brooks at the Battle of Ideas conference in Westminster.
Four officers received learning through reflection following the civil claim, and the Met indicated the case prompted a policy shift to stop investigating non-crime hate incidents.
A Met spokesperson said, "We recognise the considerable distress caused to Mr Linehan, and have offered our sincere apologies," addressing the case formally.
The arrest previously drew criticism from Conservative politicians and author Rowling, highlighting ongoing debates about police involvement in online speech and expression.