Graham Linehan blasts Jon Ronson's 'cowardice' as former friend's new book dissects their transgender row

Graham Linehan, creator of 'Father Ted', has attacked Jon Ronson and what he calls a "cowardly, careerist, mendacious class" of journalists and comedians who, he claims, stayed silent about gender ideology to protect their careers while he faced cancellation. Linehan, 58, accuses Ronson of dodging the long-running controversy over how trans ideology affects children, all to remain welcome on the "dinner party circuit." Ronson's new book, 'The Castle', devotes a chapter to their falling-out, exploring what he characterises as Linehan's "anger" and a "tremendous" psychological wound. Linehan says his lawyers will examine the chapter closely, though his instinct is against suing — describing it as a "signed confession" of Ronson's failure as a friend.

Ronson's book reproduces a photograph of an angry hand gesture that Linehan had once made, which Ronson described as "particularly disturbing."

Linehan charges Ronson with embodying an entire "species" of media class who watched friends "destroyed for saying 2+2=4" and chose silence for their own comfort.

Ronson, speaking separately, acknowledged the situation is "very fraught" and said he was "super fond" of Linehan before their relationship broke down.