Hugh Grant took to social media to express his anger after what he called an “insulting and creepy” experience at Heathrow Airport.
The 64-year-old actor, known for his roles in films like Notting Hill and Bridget Jones’s Diary, shared the distressing incident that occurred on Friday while traveling with his wife and children.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the actor revealed how his family was subjected to uncomfortable questioning by an immigration officer.
“Just came through Heathrow with wife and children. We all have the same last name (Grant) on our passports,” he wrote, adding, “Immigration officer engages my children in chit-chat then whispers to them, ‘Are these your Mum and Dad?’ Intrusive, insulting, and creepy.”
Hugh, who is known for fiercely guarding his family’s privacy, did not disclose the details of their travel destination. Typically, immigration questions children when they are traveling with one parent or have a different last name than the accompanying adult.
Official government guidelines state: “If you are traveling with a child (under 18) and are not the child’s parent, or may appear not to be the parent (for example, if you have a different family name), we may ask you a few questions to establish your relationship with the child. We will always do this as quickly as possible and in a way that is sensitive to the interests of the child and the adult involved.”
Hugh shares three children—John, 12, Lulu, eight, and Blue, six—with his wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein. He also has two children, Tabitha, 13, and Felix, 12, with his ex Tinglan Hong.
Though Hugh is typically private about his family life, he has previously spoken fondly about fatherhood.
In a 2018 interview with People magazine, he said, “It was the nicest thing that’s ever happened to me… It’s just lovely to have all that love around. Suddenly you love someone more than yourself. It’s unheard of in my case. And they love you, and it’s all enchanting.”
When discussing parenting on The Kelly Clarkson Show last year, Hugh admitted to hiding in the bathroom for a bit of peace and quiet. “I mean, there’s a lot to dread because I’m old, and it’s noisy, and it’s unbearable. And I do a lot of hiding in the loo,” he joked. Despite the chaos, he also shared the joys of fatherhood, saying, “The bit where they jump in your arms. The six-year-old, you know, she calls it her ‘chimpanzee hug.’ I quite like that.” He added, getting emotional, “I’ve made myself cry.”
