Graham Linehan, a former comedy writer turned journalist, is seeking financial support to defend against ongoing legal action initiated by David Paisley. Linehan has been vocal about his opposition to gender ideology, which he believes has negatively impacted women’s rights, gay rights, and vulnerable children. This stance has led to personal and professional losses, including his career and financial stability.
Paisley is suing Linehan for libel, harassment, and alleged misuse of private information, primarily based on comments made by others on Linehan’s Substack platform. Paisley is seeking damages, coverage of his legal costs—which reportedly amounted to £70,000 before formal proceedings—and the removal of all mentions of him from Linehan’s online platforms.
Linehan views this lawsuit as part of a broader trend where activists use legal means to silence critics, setting a concerning precedent for free speech. He emphasizes that such legal battles are often prolonged and financially draining, designed to punish through the process itself.
To continue his defence, Linehan has set a fundraising goal of £100,000, with a stretch target of £150,000, to cover ongoing legal expenses. He expresses deep gratitude for previous support and appeals for further contributions to uphold the principle that individuals should not be legally persecuted for expressing their views.