The actor called a Heathrow encounter “intrusive, insulting and creepy” after an officer whispered to his children, asking if he and wife Anna Eberstein were really their parents.
April 6, 2025: Hugh Grant has taken to social media to share a troubling experience he had with his family at London’s Heathrow Airport, describing the incident as “intrusive, insulting and creepy.”
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The Notting Hill actor revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he was travelling with his wife, Anna Elisabet Eberstein, and their children when an immigration officer asked his kids in a hushed tone, “Are these your Mum and Dad?”
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Grant explained that the entire family had matching surnames on their passports — “Grant” — making the question feel particularly unnecessary and unsettling. “Just came through Heathrow with wife and children. We all have the same last name (Grant) on our passports,” he wrote. “Immigration officer engages my children in chit chat then whispers to them, ‘Are these your Mum and Dad?’ Intrusive, insulting and creepy.”
Though he didn’t disclose their travel destination, the actor was reportedly with three of his children, aged 12, 9, and 7. He also has two more children — aged 13 and 12 — with ex-partner Tinglan Hong.
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Social Media Reacts
Grant’s tweet stirred mixed reactions online. Some supported his concern, calling the whisper “creepy” and inappropriate, especially given the family context. “Imagine not recognising Hugh Grant. I’m sorry this happened,” one user replied.
Others defended the officer’s actions, citing child safety as a top priority. “With such high stats on child trafficking, I think it’s more than justified to have these checks,” one person wrote. Another added, “It’s surely a good thing that a discreet, well-meaning question at an airport can ultimately help keep children safe.”
A few commenters found humor in the situation. “I don’t know what’s worse — that creepy whisper or the fact that the officer apparently didn’t recognise you,” joked one user.
Recent Projects
Hugh Grant was most recently seen in Heretic, a psychological horror film directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, alongside Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East. His performance earned him nominations at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Critics’ Choice Awards.
Despite the unsettling airport episode, the veteran actor continues to win over audiences — just not every immigration officer, apparently.
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Hugh Grant, Heathrow Airport, celebrity news, Anna Elisabet Eberstein, child safeguarding, airport controversy, UK immigration, Hugh Grant family, Heretic movie, actor Hugh Grant, viral tweets, Twitter reactions, London travel, British actors, parenting news