British actor Martin Freeman has found himself at the centre of a fierce online backlash after his name appeared on a list of alleged donors to a legal fund for comedian and writer Graham Linehan.
The Hack and the Alleged Donation
The controversy erupted when hackers leaked data from the Free Speech Union (FSU), a group that supports individuals in free speech cases. Among the published list was an entry for a 'Martin Freeman' who reportedly donated £2,000 to the 'Graham Linehan Fundraiser Social' on September 4 last year.
Mr Linehan had been raising money to fight a legal case after stating he was taken to court for 'speaking out against gender ideology'. The leaked list was published by the trans rights activist website Bash Back.
Online Backlash and Celebrity Targeting
Broadcaster and transgender activist India Willoughby led the criticism, expressing 'disappointment' on social media platform X. She directly addressed the Sherlock star, writing: 'Disappointing to see the name Martin Freeman here on donations to violent anti-trans bigot Graham Linehan. Is this you? £2,000?'
Willoughby, who describes herself as 'woman of the year 2023' and a 'biological female', captioned her post with the hashtag #CelebrityTerfs. She also referenced Freeman's ex-wife, actress Amanda Abbington, who has previously voiced gender-critical views.
Other social media users echoed the sentiment, with one commenting on Reddit: 'Not Bilbo! Seriously, why does every single movie or piece of media I enjoy need to be tarnished by some dingleberry doing dumb stuff like this?' Another supporter cautioned that 'Martin Freeman' is a common name and questioned whether it was definitively the actor.
Context and Responses
The Daily Mail has contacted a representative of Martin Freeman for comment. The actor, famed for roles in The Office, Sherlock, and The Hobbit, has not been publicly vocal on gender issues.
Graham Linehan himself responded to the speculation, stating: 'Could be any Martin Freeman, but whoever it is, I thank him.' He later added that he hoped the leak would result in an 'upsurge in membership of the FSU', criticising what he called the UK's 'appalling censorship'.
Gender-critical campaigner Janet Murray saw the appearance of the name as a positive, saying: 'I saw his name... and thought: Good - some artists with sense.'
The legal case at the heart of the fundraiser concluded in November last year at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Mr Linehan was found not guilty of harassment against a trans activist. District Judge Briony Clarke ruled that while his comments were 'deeply unpleasant and even unnecessary', they were not legally oppressive. He was, however, convicted on a separate charge of criminal damage and ordered to pay nearly £1,400 in fines and costs.
