ITV star Peter M. Smith has accused Father Ted creator Graham Linehan of racism after the comedy writer questioned the casting of Smith's teenage daughter in a controversial Irish consent advertisement.
The 46-year-old actor and singer, known for Popstars and Popstars the Rivals and for playing Phil Lynott in the rock theatre musical Moonlight: The Philip Lynott Enigma, responded furiously after Linehan made a remark about his 15-year-old daughter Molly-Lou. The teenager appeared in the advert, which urged grandparents to ask their grandchildren for consent before hugging them.
Linehan's Post and Smith's Response
The IT Crowd writer took to X to comment on the clip, which showed a young boy going in for a hug with his grandparents while a teenage granddaughter appeared reluctant to embrace them. Linehan wrote: "Why is one of the kids black? Is this about hugging your grandkids or random strangers?"
Smith replied angrily: "That child is my daughter and is more Irish than you will ever be you ignorant, racist f**k! She was chosen because of her ACTING prowess and talent. Says more about you and your disgusting prejudice that you would post this garbage. You p***k!"
Smith Defends His Daughter
The actor stood by his remarks in an interview with the Sunday World, saying: "Me and my daughter were born here and we pay our taxes here and are more Irish than that f****r has ever been." He added: "I've never had any contact with Graham Linehan and only know what I've read about him and his right wing views.
"He's of the same generation as Philip Lynott and should know that black culture has been around Ireland a long time, and is a growing presence on the island of Ireland. There is no excuse for that level of ignorance. Yes, my daughter is a black Irish child. Welcome to 2026, Graham."
Advert Suspended After Minister's Criticism
The role was Molly-Lou's first ever acting job, and Smith said it was "unfortunate" that the moment had been marred by controversy. However, he acknowledged the situation could help her realise if she really wanted to be involved in showbusiness.
The online video was produced by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) as part of its We-Consent programme. It ends with a narrator saying: "Not everyone wants a hug. Even from the people who love them. Awkward? Maybe. Important? Absolutely."
The campaign was pulled from social media following widespread criticism, with Ireland's Department of Justice confirming the videos had been removed while the organisation reviews them. Jim O'Callaghan, Ireland's justice minister, criticised the advert, saying it did not reflect the Government's position. He wrote on X: "It goes without saying that having loving grandparents in a child's life is an incredibly positive thing to be cherished, not something to be campaigned against."
Mr O'Callaghan described the video as "inappropriate and demeaning to grandparents" and said it "does not represent the views of the government". He added that the video had been removed by the DRCC following his official engagement with the organisation. The campaign prompted complaints over the use of public money, with critics questioning whether an advert about family hugs was appropriate for a rape crisis centre.
