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Fr Ted creator/writer Graham Linehan Arrested over posts on Transgender issues

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭greyday


    Not if you completely believe the biological males can become biological females because they had feminine behaviour/traits, there should be no reason to change language so fundemental to humans but that is happening to blur the lines, when you hear transwomen are women without any caveats, its a very slippery slope that ends with the likes of Trump being elected.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44,337 ✭✭✭✭Boggles


    So I want trans women to be safe

    If she truly wanted that, she would stop the constant fear mongering.

    I do not want to make natal girls and women less safe

    Apart from Emma Watson and Nicola Sturgeon. Basically anyone who doesn't subscribe to her opinions.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 2,019 ✭✭✭OscarMIlde


    You are creating a completely false narrative about what happened between Emma Watson and JK Rowling. Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe both on several occasions over several years spoke out about transwomen are women and either directly or obliquely said they were disappointed in JK Rowling and her views. They have the right to do this obviously, but a public disagreement with someone is going to probably rile someone up, unless they are a living saint.

    During this period, there was an attempt to shut out JK Rowling from the Harry Potter legacy, she wasn't invited to events about it nor to speak to a documentary about it. It was like she was a non figure despite creating it. Now JK Rowling obviously holds the IP and will still profit from anything licensed regardless of whether she is acknowledged publicly or not. At a few public events (while presenting awards for jnatance) Emma made some nasty digs towards JK while not directly referencing her allowing plausible deniability.

    Turned out that while she was making potshots at JK Rowling in public, at a time when she was receiving death and rape threats for her views, Emma sent her a note saying she was sorry for what she was going through.

    JK felt it was hypocritical that she was trying to stay in with her in private while making digs at her in public. I believe the note itself came after the For women Scotland supreme court ruling so may have been an attempt to change position with tide of public opinion turning, but I may be wrong about this.

    JK wasn't turning on some woman who disagrees with her. She eventually called her out, that she had the luxury of espousing pro trans views and shutting out gender critical views as she was in a fortunate position to be unaffected by them. Due to her wealth Emma would never be forced to flee to a woman's only refuge were biological men were also allowed, Emma is unlikely to be sharing changing rooms with biological men who identify as women, Emma is never going to be in a hospital ward or prison cell for women tgat also houses biological males who identify as women. It is easy for her to espouse these positions as any detrimental side effects will never effect her.

    “Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.”


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44,337 ✭✭✭✭Boggles


    Please by all means list out what Watson said about Rowling to deserve to be called the names she was and more nefariously have a giant target placed on her back?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,732 ✭✭✭Large bottle small glass


    You want hate crime laws when people get offended but are ok with Rowling receiving rape, torture and death threats?

    Is she a victim or not you accsued her of "playing the victim"

    Were the threats not real or did she deserve them?



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 2,019 ✭✭✭OscarMIlde


    This is what JK Rowling tweeted, I don't see any names or name calling:

    I'm seeing quite a bit of comment about this, so I want to make a couple of points.

    I'm not owed eternal agreement from any actor who once played a character I created. The idea is as ludicrous as me checking with the boss I had when I was twenty-one for what opinions I should hold these days.

    Emma Watson and her co-stars have every right to embrace gender identity ideology. Such beliefs are legally protected, and I wouldn't want to see any of them threatened with loss of work, or violence, or death, because of them.

    However, Emma and Dan in particular have both made it clear over the last few years that they think our former professional association gives them a particular right - nay, obligation - to critique me and my views in public. Years after they finished acting in Potter, they continue to assume the role of de facto spokespeople for the world I created.

    When you've known people since they were ten years old it's hard to shake a certain protectiveness. Until quite recently, I hadn't managed to throw off the memory of children who needed to be gently coaxed through their dialogue in a big scary film studio. For the past few years, I've repeatedly declined invitations from journalists to comment on Emma specifically, most notably on the Witch Trials of JK Rowling. Ironically, I told the producers that I didn't want her to be hounded as the result of anything I said.

    The television presenter in the attached clip highlights Emma's 'all witches' speech, and in truth, that was a turning point for me, but it had a postscript that hurt far more than the speech itself. Emma asked someone to pass on a handwritten note from her to me, which contained the single sentence 'I'm so sorry for what you're going through' (she has my phone number). This was back when the death, rape and torture threats against me were at their peak, at a time when my personal security measures had had to be tightened considerably and I was constantly worried for my family's safety. Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames, yet thought a one line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness.

    Like other people who've never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life she's ignorant of how ignorant she is. She'll never need a homeless shelter. She's never going to be placed on a mixed sex public hospital ward. I'd be astounded if she's been in a high street changing room since childhood. Her 'public bathroom' is single occupancy and comes with a security man standing guard outside the door. Has she had to strip off in a newly mixed-sex changing room at a council-run swimming pool? Is she ever likely to need a state-run rape crisis centre that refuses to guarantee an all-female service? To find herself sharing a prison cell with a male rapist who's identified into the women's prison?

    I wasn't a multimillionaire at fourteen. I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous. I therefore understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women's rights in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated means to women and girls without her privileges.

    The greatest irony here is that, had Emma not decided in her most recent interview to declare that she loves and treasures me - a change of tack I suspect she's adopted because she's noticed full-throated condemnation of me is no longer quite as fashionable as it was - I might never have been this honest.

    Adults can't expect to cosy up to an activist movement that regularly calls for a friend's assassination, then assert their right to the former friend's love, as though the friend was in fact their mother. Emma is rightly free to disagree with me and indeed to discuss her feelings about me in public - but I have the same right, and I've finally decided to exercise it.

    “Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.”


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,261 ✭✭✭Sudden Valley


    So Watson writes her a note to say she is sorry and jk rowling says she's ignorant. I dont think JK comes out that well in her reply.

    But i hope we can talk about JK as some people insist we only talk about Linehan here.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,129 ✭✭✭ceadaoin.


    If you read the statement you can clearly see what Rowling is saying with use of the term ignorant. Ignorant = uninformed or unaware. Watson is ignorant about what its like to have to use a womens shelter or to be in a situation where dignity and privacy arent a given or ignorant to what its like to live in poverty. That is a statement of fact. Only in delusional la la land is that interpreted as some egregious insult, yet somehow being on the receiving end of rape and death threats is merely "playing the victim".



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,092 ✭✭✭Former Former Former


    I think it's interesting that JK Rowling was so vocal about the threats she received for her public stance, but had no problem throwing another woman under the bus in the full glare of the media. Watson sent her a private note, Rowling went public with it.

    That's sh1tty behaviour, no matter what the topic of discussion.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,261 ✭✭✭Sudden Valley


    She gave a classless reply to an apology, id say the other two Harry Potter lads took notice of it.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭greyday


    She was well within her rights to give the explanation she did even if some will say it was harsh, at the very least it was truthful which is always in my opinion the best way to give feedback, maybe someone will post what Watson had to say about Rowling, if I remember correctly it was condecending from someone who had really only known privilege for a large portion of her life, I can understand JK letting the cat out of the bag so to speak about the hand written note as personally I would be livid if someone took lots of opportunity to lambast me in public while sending me supportive hand written notes in private, I am surprised two posters above think this was OK out of Watson to be honest.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,129 ✭✭✭ceadaoin.




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,261 ✭✭✭Sudden Valley


    I dont think it was the note that prompted the diatribe but was after an interview just before it. Watson only had nice things to say about JK rowling in that intervie

    Jk seems to not accept the former HP actor could critique her. She doesnt have to mend any bridges with them but she came out as very bitter in her response.

    Really the other actors would be better off not engaging with her.



  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 18,719 Mod ✭✭✭✭CatFromHue


    Rowling only made that public statement after Watson mentioned her on a podcast interview she did. Rowling's statement didn't just come out of nowhere.

    Edit: the note Rowling's talking about was given to her in 2022 after the BAFTA's, the podcast was in 2025. So Rowling kept quiet about it for years.

    What everyone's missing here is that this is the first time Rowling directly mentioned any of the Harry Potter actors. They've publicly mentioned her though.

    Post edited by CatFromHue on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,906 ✭✭✭Hangdogroad




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,445 ✭✭✭✭ancapailldorcha


    I think that that's what they're doing. Like Linehan, a lot of them can't get far enough away from her.

    The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

    Leviticus 19:34



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 428 ✭✭Mother Shaboobu


    So in that statement, no name-calling, no wishing harm on any woman (to insinuate JKR would do such a thing really is the ultimate desperation - but plenty of TRAs have done it)... just a very clear, logical explanation, outlining why she couldn't stay quiet regarding Emma's hypocrisy any longer.

    But certain men here keep pretending she's something she's not - and ignoring what doesn't suit.

    This part (which the above men NEVER condemn, yet according to their logic, not condemning things means not supporting their victims): "The television presenter in the attached clip highlights Emma's 'all witches' speech, and in truth, that was a turning point for me, but it had a postscript that hurt far more than the speech itself. Emma asked someone to pass on a handwritten note from her to me, which contained the single sentence 'I'm so sorry for what you're going through' (she has my phone number). This was back when the death, rape and torture threats against me were at their peak, at a time when my personal security measures had had to be tightened considerably and I was constantly worried for my family's safety" - not only horrifying and infuriating, but also depressing. Elements of the left (which I used to align myself staunchly with) have become as disgusting as the red pill bros. I never thought THAT would happen.

    Post edited by Mother Shaboobu on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 428 ✭✭Mother Shaboobu


    You "hope" we can talk about Rowling here? But you know we can. 🤷‍♀️

    Which people insist we can only talk about Lenihan? It is specifically a Lenihan thread I suppose.

    You seem to have a weird view towards Rowling. Saying you wonder whether she might applaud someone for being a trans public representative... why would she do that? Are you expecting every other public figure to do so?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 9,050 ✭✭✭plodder


    Have to say I'm not a particular fan of JK Rowling. There are better and less privileged examples of women who suffered for stating facts that the mob wanted silenced.

    One thing that just struck me about Graham Linehan and why people have this need to diminish his artistic achievements. It's because Father Ted (in particular) is so ingrained in the Irish artistic canon, than it became necessary to excise Linehan from it.

    RTE are actually broadcasting two episodes, that one during the final and another during one of the semi finals.

    “The opposite of 'good' is 'good intentions'”



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44,337 ✭✭✭✭Boggles


    It's there in the text you qouted.

    Emma has so little experience of real life she's ignorant of how ignorant she is

    But that's not what I asked you.

    Again.

    Please by all means list out what Watson said about Rowling to deserve to be called the names she was and more nefariously have a giant target placed on her back?

    In your own time.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44,337 ✭✭✭✭Boggles


    You want hate crime laws when people get offended but are ok with Rowling receiving rape, torture and death threats?

    Nope, said no such thing.

    Is she a victim or not you accsued her of "playing the victim"

    The post is clear, but for some reason you only chose to quote a partial part of it.

    Here it is for context.

    For me at least, you don't get to the play the victim and perpetrator and expect sympathy.

    She offered zero to a woman much younger than her.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 4,309 ✭✭✭Cyclingtourist


    I have this image of poor Emma struggling down the red carpet carrying a 'giant target' strapped to her half naked shoulder blades.

    Please tell me it isn't so.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44,337 ✭✭✭✭Boggles


    She has been the victim of fairly horrific imagery to be fair.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,261 ✭✭✭Sudden Valley


    She also had a stalker harassing her for two years.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,445 ✭✭✭✭ancapailldorcha


    Yep. On her 18th birthday, there were paparazzi waiting outside on their backs with their cameras pointing up. Of course, one never hears the likes of Linehan ever talk about this kind of misogyny.

    The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

    Leviticus 19:34



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 4,309 ✭✭✭Cyclingtourist


    Not to mention the chances of tripping over one.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,092 ✭✭✭Former Former Former


    than it became necessary to excise Linehan from it.

    I don't get it, how has he been excised from it? Did they take his name off the credits?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 2,019 ✭✭✭OscarMIlde


    She was taking pops and digs at JK Rowling's opinions for several years. Not just saying this is what I believe, but countering it in direct opposition to JK.

    A singular tweet addressing it years later after Emma started to reverse her stance (conveniently after the supreme court decision so basically following public opinion). The tweet factually called her out as someone ignorant of real life consequences for a blanket 'transwomen are women' policies that Emma's huge levels of wealth (Emma was someone cited in the Panama papers for her tax avoidance so a huge net worth) shields her from.

    It's hardly in the level of tarring and feathering her as your hyperbolic description would have the uninformed believe.

    “Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.”


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 4,309 ✭✭✭Cyclingtourist


    I'd like to see them show the Father Ted episode 'Flight into Terror' where Linehan appears as a priest with a few lines and does a pretty good job of it.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44,337 ✭✭✭✭Boggles


    Please by all means list out what Watson said about Rowling to deserve to be called the names she was and more nefariously have a giant target placed on her back?

    So the answer to that is, panama papers, something something.

    Gotcha.



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