Hugh Grant Calls Out 'Creepy' Immigration Officer Over Questioning His Children

Sarah Johnson
April 7, 2025
Brief
Hugh Grant criticizes a Heathrow immigration officer for a 'creepy' question to his children, sparking discussion about UK child safety protocols and airport security sensitivity.
Hugh Grant has never been one to shy away from making his opinions known, and his latest grievance? A rather unsettling encounter with an immigration officer at Heathrow Airport. The British actor took to social media to share his "creepy" experience while traveling with his wife, Anna Eberstein, and their three children.
"Just came through Heathrow with wife and children," Grant wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "We all have the same last name (Grant) on our passports. Immigration officer engages my children in chit chat then whispers to them ‘Are these your Mum and Dad?’ Intrusive, insulting and creepy," he concluded.
While Grant’s representatives didn't respond to media inquiries, a spokesperson for Heathrow Airport clarified that Border Force officers operate under the Home Office. Meanwhile, the Home Office itself has yet to comment on the incident.
For those wondering, the U.K. government does have formal guidelines for questioning children traveling with adults who may not appear to be their parents. These measures aim to "establish the relationship" in a sensitive and timely manner. However, Grant’s post suggests that the execution of these protocols might have lacked the "sensitivity" the guidelines promise.
Grant, 64, is father to five children, including three with Eberstein: son John, 12, daughter Lulu, 8, and daughter Blue, 6. His older children, daughter Tabitha, 13, and son Felix, 11, are from his previous relationship with Tinglan Hong. He’s been open about the challenges of parenthood, especially as an older dad. In a past interview on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," Grant joked about the chaotic energy of parenting, admitting that he often hides in the bathroom for some peace and quiet. Relatable much?
Despite his humorous complaints, Grant has also spoken about the profound joy of fatherhood, sharing heartfelt moments like his 6-year-old’s "chimpanzee hug," which he clearly cherishes. If nothing else, his transparency as a parent is refreshing—whether he’s lamenting the noise or tearing up over the affection of his kids.
This latest incident, however, shines a light on a potentially problematic approach to child safety protocols in airport settings. While ensuring the well-being of children is paramount, perhaps a reminder to avoid "creepiness" wouldn’t hurt. And Hugh Grant, as always, doesn’t miss a beat when calling out behavior that crosses the line.
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Editor's Comments
I get the need for security, but whispering to kids like that? It feels less like safeguarding and more like a scene from a bad thriller. Hugh’s reaction was spot-on—there’s a fine line between safety checks and making people uncomfortable. Someone should probably give Border Force officers a refresher on ‘how not to be creepy.’
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