By VK 
Father Ted Creator Denies Harassing Trans Woman
Graham Linehan, the creator of popular British sitcoms Father Ted, The IT Crowd, and Black Books, has denied allegations of harassment and criminal damage involving a transgender woman named Sophia Brooks. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 12, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Allegations
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Harassment: Linehan is accused of posting abusive messages about Sophia Brooks on social media between October 11 and October 27, 2024.
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Criminal Damage: On October 19, 2024, during the Battle of Ideas conference in London, he allegedly damaged Brooks’ phone, which was worth £369.
Linehan’s Response
Outside the court, Linehan wore a T-shirt that read “Trans women are not women”, reflecting his controversial stance on transgender rights. He stated:
“For the past six years, ever since I began speaking out in defense of women’s and children’s rights, I’ve been subjected to harassment, abuse, and threats. I’ve lost a great deal, but I remain steadfast in my resolve.”
Legal Background and Accusations
Linehan claims the incident occurred during the Battle of Ideas conference, where he threw Brooks’ phone because she was allegedly harassing attendees. He also asserted that Brooks receives legal advice from someone with a criminal past, who has been harassing him for years.
Linehan has long been a vocal critic of transgender activism, which has significantly impacted his career, personal life, and reputation—including the breakdown of his marriage and the loss of professional opportunities.
Next Steps
The next hearing date has not yet been announced. Linehan has suggested he intends to expose what he believes is collusion between police and trans rights activists.