Legal battles between Patricia Schlesinger, the former head of Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB), and her ex-employer have escalated this week during court proceedings at the Berliner Landgericht (Berlin District Court).
The case focuses on significant allegations of misconduct, financial mismanagement, and extravagant spending under Schlesinger's leadership from April 2016 until her abrupt termination in August 2022. Following accusations of excessive expenses—including luxurious company cars with massage chairs, lavish dinners, and high executive salaries for positions perceived as unnecessary—Schlesinger's tenure ended abruptly, sparking what has now become known as the 'Schlesinger Affair.'
Currently, Schlesinger is seeking to uphold her contract's terms, which include entitlement to over 60% of her monthly salary, amounting to approximately €18,300 per month for life, even prior to retirement age. She has filed suit against RBB to enforce this agreement.
Responding to her claims, RBB has countered with allegations demanding damages claiming up to €9 million due to her alleged mismanagement, including specific claims against her for damaging the RBB's reputation and finances. They have valued the damages resulting from her actions at around €1.78 million, which comprises various facets of operational failings attributed to the former director.
During the hearing, which lasted two-and-a-half hours, presiding judge Thomas Markfort posed significant questions on whether RBB had fair grounds for its counterclaims. He acknowledged the complexity of the service agreement Schlesinger has with RBB and indicated potential judicial support for her claims, declaring, “A contract is a contract.”
Schlesinger's legal team argues she has been “extremely stigmatized,” following the public fallout from the scandal, with her attorney, Thomas Wahlig, emphasizing the financial strain she now faces due to high legal costs and inability to find new employment.
On the other hand, RBB's representatives expressed their view of the contract as being unethical, citing the excessive payments agreed upon and predicting significant legal challenges to uphold these claims. The court also pointed out the difficulties surrounding RBB's litigation strategies, signaling doubt on the strength of their various allegations.
Throughout her previous career, Schlesinger held multiple senior posts prior to leading RBB, lending her experience to the claim of entitlement to these funds. Despite her earlier high-profile positions and recent short-term contract earning €25,000 per month until November 2023, Schlesinger's current situation makes her reliant on her claimed right to the retirement payout to handle her growing legal fees.
This week’s session was not without its moments of drama. Schlesinger was reportedly seen maintaining composure and taking notes amid intense scrutiny from media and public observers. The judge has urged both parties to reach a mediated agreement by the end of May; otherwise, he indicated the court would move swiftly to settle the matter formally.
Should both parties fail to reach a resolution, the situation is expected to escalate, with the court poised to issue decisions with potentially significant financial ramifications on both sides.
More than 5,000 pages of documentation have already been compiled relating to the various claims and counterclaims, indicating the extensive nature of this legal battle. It reflects the significant strain placed not only on individual reputations but also on the credibility of the public broadcasting service itself.
With public attention firmly focused on the outcome, the case encapsulates broader societal concerns over financial integrity within publicly funded institutions. The outcome could set important precedents about accountability for those managing public funds.
Schlesinger has consistently denied all wrongdoing, asserting her right to these funds and launching her legal assault against RBB to vindicate her claims. Her future, alongside RBB's financial health, hangs precariously as negotiations evolve.