Hello everyone,

It’s not easy to ask for help a second time, but be that as it may, here I be

As many of you know, I have spent the last five years speaking out against gender ideology and its harmful consequences - on women’s rights, on gay rights, and on vulnerable children. I have done this at great personal cost, losing my career and financial stability, yet I have never regretted standing up for what I believe is right.

Unfortunately, there are those who want to silence me by any means necessary. One of them, David Paisley, is still pursuing legal action against me, and the costs of defending myself continue to mount.

When I first asked for your help, I was overwhelmed by the generosity and support from people who value free speech, who believe in standing up to bullies, and who refuse to let ideologues rewrite reality. That support enabled me to secure a strong legal team and mount a proper defence. I was also fortunate to find that this experienced team were willing to act on substantially reduced rates to make this more affordable.

But legal battles like this are designed to be drawn-out, expensive, and punishing. The process is the punishment, as we all know.  Paisley’s claim has not gone away, and neither has my need for funds to fight it.

Where Things Stand

Paisley is suing me for libel, harassment, and even for allegedly "misusing" his private information - simply because I publicly stated that he reported a woman to the police. He wants me to pay damages, cover his legal costs (which were already £70,000 before his lawyers even wrote to me!), and remove all mention of him from my site and social media.

His claim is mainly based on a few comments made by people on my Substack, which his lawyers have argued I am responsible for.

The reality is that this is not just about me. I know of many other individuals who have been sued by trans activists in an attempt to prevent them from expressing their (entirely legitimate) views.

If people like Paisley succeed in using the courts to intimidate and silence critics, it sets a dangerous precedent. Activists will see that they don’t need to win arguments - they just need to outspend their opponents and drag them through the legal system until they give up. 

I won’t give up.

Why I Need Your Help Again

Once a legal process is underway, the only thing that will stop it is someone throwing in the towel or a trial. It looks like Paisley or his solicitors are determined to take this the whole way.

While my lawyers continue to fight this case at a reduced rate, the costs are still substantial. The funds raised so far have gone towards essential legal work, but unfortunately I need to raise more to see this through to the end.

If you supported me last time, I cannot tell you how grateful I am. If you’re able to contribute again, or if you weren’t in a position to donate before but can now, I would be enormously thankful.

No matter the amount, every donation helps me fight not just for myself, but for the principle that no one should be dragged through the courts simply for speaking the truth.

The Target

I am setting a new fundraising goal of £100,000, with a stretch target of £150,000, to cover the further legal costs.

If you believe in free speech, in standing up to ideological bullies, and in making sure that people cannot use the courts to silence their critics, I hope you’ll consider donating.

With sincere gratitude,

Graham Linehan