Actor Hugh Grant has been left fuming after his family came face-to-face with a rather difficult encounter at Heathrow Airport.
The 64-year-old star described the incident, which occurred on Friday, as "intrusive, insulting and creepy" in a post on social media.
Grant was travelling with his wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein, 42, and their children when the encounter took place.
He has been married to Eberstein since 2018. Together they have three children: John Mungo, 12, Lulu, eight, and Blue, six.
Grant was travelling with his wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein and children
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The actor also has two older children from a previous relationship with Tinglan Hong: Tabitha Xiao Xi, 13, and Felix Chang Hong, 11.
Posting on X, Grant fumed at an immigration officer who he said: "Just came through Heathrow with wife and children.
"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?”
The 64-year-old slammed the incident as: “Intrusive, insulting and creepy.”
Just came through Heathrow with wife and children. 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.
— Hugh Grant (@HackedOffHugh) April 4, 2025
Grant rarely discusses his family life publicly and did not share where he and his family had been travelling.
According to official guidance, immigration officers may question children about who they are travelling with under specific circumstances.
The guidance states: "If you are travelling 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."
In Grant's case, however, he specifically noted that the entire family shares the same surname on their passports.
Grant faced criticism from some fans for his rant
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The guidance further explains that officers will "always do this as quickly as possible and in a way which is sensitive to the interests of the child and the adult involved."
Evidently, Grant found the officer’s approach lacking in that regard too.
However, some fans were took issue with Grant’s angry post and responded in his replies.
“Hugh, it’s called safeguarding. Immigration officers are trained to discreetly protect children from trafficking and abduction—even when the family’s last name is ‘Grant.’ Your fame doesn’t make you exempt from basic security protocols designed to keep kids safe. Try humility—it looks better on everyone,” one slammed.
Another wrote: “It's for child safeguarding reasons. Be thankful the officer was doing their job correctly.”
“Are you upset there are child protection measures in place or that you weren't recognised?” a third sniped.
Not all were critical, with one fan empathising: “How awful for the kids and you both.”