Victoria Coren Mitchell has recently called on Graham Linehan to cease his “relentless” comments about trans rights, particularly concerning contestants on her show, Only Connect. This request came after Linehan directed a message to her on X, previously known as Twitter, on November 3, questioning whether a contestant named Emily should be allowed to participate in women’s spaces.
Background on the Controversy
Graham Linehan, who gained fame for writing shows like Father Ted and The IT Crowd, is now predominantly known for his controversial views on transgender issues. His outspoken stance has often placed him at odds with those who support trans rights, including Coren Mitchell.
Coren Mitchell’s Response
In response to Linehan’s post, Coren Mitchell drafted a reply that exceeded the character limit on X. She expressed her frustration over his consistent messaging, commenting, “In my experience, nothing will suffice to stop you pestering me.” She described Only Connect as a harmless quiz show and urged Linehan to stop targeting her contestants.
- Coren Mitchell addressed Linehan’s relentless comments out of respect for their previous friendship.
- She emphasized that her contestants aim to bring joy and laughter, not controversy.
- Users on X appreciated her composed response, highlighting the negativity in Linehan’s approach.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first instance of Coren Mitchell urging Linehan to desist. In 2022, he criticized her for featuring a queer couple on Only Connect, which led to another public plea for him to stop. Coren Mitchell maintained that she finds her contestants delightful and worthy of defense against unwarranted attacks.
The contestant involved in the latest controversy has been part of Only Connect since July of the current series, which has aired on BBC platforms since its debut in 2008. Coren Mitchell has been the host throughout the show’s entire run.
Linehan’s Recent Legal Issues
In September 2023, Linehan was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence after suggesting harmful actions towards trans women in female-only spaces. He was subsequently released without charge, leading to discussions about police protocol regarding non-crime hate incidents.
Coren Mitchell’s request serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding gender rights and the attention they attract in contemporary society.
