Graham Linehan receives settlement from Met over online post arrest
The Metropolitan Police have issued a formal apology and a £25,000 settlement to comedian Graham Linehan following his 2025 arrest for online posts. The arrest, which occurred under the Public Order Act, was later reclassified as a non-crime hate incident before the investigation was dropped.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing tensions between UK policing, free speech, and the management of non-crime hate incidents.
Image source, PA Media By Imogen James and Christina McSorley Published 9 July 2026 The Metropolitan Police have apologised to comedian and campaigner Graham Linehan and acknowledged his "considerable distress" for his arrest over his posts on X in September 2025.
The article reports on a legal settlement and police statement using neutral, factual language without taking a stance on the underlying controversy.
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