Former S4C boss sues channel for £565,000 loss of earnings

A former S4C executive has filed a High Court claim against the Welsh-language broadcaster seeking about £565,000 in loss of earnings, saying her dismissal in 2023 destroyed her career and forced her into part-time, self-employed work. Llinos Griffin-Williams, who was S4C's chief content officer from April 2022, was dismissed immediately from a six-figure salary amid a period of internal upheaval at the channel. The dismissal followed allegations reported at the time that she had been intoxicated and verbally abused former rugby player Mike Phillips during a Rugby World Cup appearance in Nantes in a work capacity. Griffin-Williams denies all misconduct allegations, and S4C has not commented on the ongoing case.

In court filings seen by Newyddion S4C, Griffin-Williams argues that her dismissal letter described her as being intoxicated to a degree that adversely affected her behaviour and referenced bullying and unprofessional language in text messages. She says the allegations are untrue and says the publicity surrounding her sacking has left her facing professional isolation, online abuse, and deteriorating physical and mental health. She is pursuing £565,000 in loss of earnings and also claims for reputational damage and other injures, while separately pursuing misfeasance in public office against former S4C chair Rhodri Williams. Griffin-Williams asserts she was dismissed without a chance to discuss or appeal the decision.

The court documents outline the dismissal letter and the surrounding circumstances, including Griffin-Williams' assertion that she had presented S4C's strategy for 2024-25 to about 100 people from the media sector in Wales when she was relieved of her post. She contends the swift dismissal was intended to maximise public exposure and distress. She also alleges data protection breaches by S4C, an allegation the broadcaster denies. Williams, who is not participating in this part of the case, says he acted after receiving concerns from industry sources about Griffin-Williams’ conduct in Nantes and that he sought legal advice before making the decision to dismiss for gross misconduct. He maintains the board subsequently approved the move and that there was a need to deal with the situation swiftly so the broadcaster could continue its work.

Griffin-Williams says she has since faced aggressive scrutiny from strangers in public and on social media and has suffered professional isolation and health problems as a result of her dismissal. She states she was dismissed without due process and that the broader upheaval at S4C during this period extended to the sacking of former chief executive Sian Doyle amid other allegations of bullying and misbehavior at the broadcaster. S4C has declined to comment on the litigation, and Williams has declined to provide further remarks. The case remains active in the High Court, with Griffin-Williams pursuing damages related to loss of earnings and other claims while S4C defends the allegations against it.

The dispute unfolds as part of a wider shakeup at S4C over the past year, which has included leadership changes and intensive scrutiny of governance and conduct within the organization. While the broadcaster has not commented on the specifics of Griffin-Williams' lawsuit, the proceedings highlight ongoing tensions between executives and the board during a period of high public and media attention for the channel. Image context from this period is represented in contemporary coverage of S4C by media outlets, including reporting on the leadership transitions and internal inquiries.

As the High Court case progresses, Griffin-Williams’ legal team continues to press for a resolution that reflects the alleged impact of her dismissal on her earnings and reputation, while S4C awaits a formal adjudication that will address the competing narratives about her conduct and the broadcaster’s response. The broadcaster has stressed that it will not comment while the matter is before the court. In parallel, Williams has indicated that he will refrain from further public statements while the litigation unfolds. The case underscores the ongoing complexities at S4C during a time of leadership transition and calls for careful consideration of governance, accountability, and the treatment of executives within the publicly funded broadcaster.