By Gwyn Loader

Copyright bbc

Ms Griffin-Williams also claims Mr Williams leaked information to the media regularly – an accusation he denies.

She cites several examples of anonymous sources being quoted in Newyddion S4C and news website Nation.cymru reports during a turbulent period in the broadcaster’s history, where allegations of bullying and misbehaviour led to the sacking of former chief executive Sian Doyle.

She has previously also denied any misbehaviour and is pursuing separate High Court action against S4C.

Mr Williams’ defence documentation states he was contacted by three sources from the broadcast industry outlining concerns about Ms Griffin-Williams’ alleged behaviour in Nantes.

He claims he sought legal advice which informed him he was permitted to take the unilateral decision to sack the former chief content officer for gross misconduct.

He also states he “sought to communicate this… without a delay in a setting where she could be supported by… [the] head of HR.” S4C also state that “there was a need to deal with the situation swiftly”.

Documents also note the other members of the S4C board subsequently approved Mr Williams’ decision to dismiss Ms Griffin-Williams.

In a statement to Newyddion S4C on Thursday afternoon, Ms Griffin-Williams said she was left with no other option but to pursue legal action.

She added that she was “deeply saddened” to challenge the broadcaster but believed the “fight is necessary to expose the wrongdoings” and to “secure genuine institutional change”.

S4C said it would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing legal case. Mr Williams did not wish to comment further.