A former journalist with the British Broadcasting Corporation has told an employment tribunal that he 'deeply regrets' social media posts that led to his dismissal after 22 years of service. Sean McGinty said his activity on X and critical blog posts breached the broadcaster’s editorial and social media guidelines, but argued his actions occurred during a severe mental health crisis.

McGinty is bringing claims of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. He told the tribunal that his Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, alongside anxiety and depression, contributed to impulsive behaviour, including posts and an email sent in October 2023 criticising another presenter. He said he was in the worst mental health of his life at the time and described his actions as out of character.

The broadcaster maintains that his conduct was not caused by disability and that dismissal was the only appropriate outcome after six allegations were upheld. Although some findings were overturned on appeal, the decision to dismiss him in July 2024 was upheld. The tribunal hearing is continuing.