Former Fox Sports Employee Alleges Sexual Harassment
A former Fox Sports hairstylist, Noushin Faraji, has filed a lawsuit against the network, its parent company, Fox, and several top executives, including FS1 host Skip Bayless, alleging sexual battery, harassment, and a hostile work environment. The suit, filed in Los Angeles on January 5, claims that Faraji, who worked with Fox Sports from 2012 until last August, endured repeated inappropriate behaviour, including unwanted advances from Bayless and groping by a network executive.
Faraji’s lawsuit, which spans 42 pages, outlines claims against Bayless, FS1 executive Charlie Dixon, and FS1 host Joy Taylor. Faraji alleges that Dixon, Fox’s head of content, groped her at a birthday party in West Hollywood and that Bayless frequently touched her inappropriately. Bayless also allegedly offered her $1.5 million to have sex with him and made demeaning comments about her ethnicity and personal life. The suit seeks class-action status for Faraji and other Fox employees, seeking damages and a jury trial.
Allegations of Inappropriate Advances and Discriminatory Remarks
The lawsuit provides a detailed account of the alleged harassment Faraji suffered while working on the Undisputed morning show with Bayless. Faraji claims that Bayless gave her “lingering hugs” and often pressed his body against hers in a way that made her uncomfortable. Despite her repeated rejections, Bayless allegedly continued to make advances, including offering her a large sum of money to sleep with him.
The lawsuit also accuses Bayless of making inappropriate comments about Faraji’s background, including claiming she had an affair with his co-host, Shannon Sharpe. Faraji attempted to stop Bayless’s advances by telling him about her health issues, including ovarian cancer, but these efforts were reportedly ignored. Additionally, Faraji claims that when she confronted Bayless about his behaviour, he made culturally insensitive remarks, specifically about her Muslim background and her deceased father.
Claims of Retaliation and Hostile Work Environment
In the suit, Faraji claims she faced retaliation after complaining to HR and employee relations. She alleges that her concerns were not taken seriously and that the perpetrators could maintain their positions or be promoted. Faraji’s lawyers argue that her case reflects a broader toxic culture at Fox Sports, where employees felt forced to endure mistreatment without recourse.
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Faraji also claims that FS1 host Joy Taylor began insulting her personally and professionally after their friendship soured. Taylor is accused of mocking Faraji’s accent and making derogatory comments about her heritage. Faraji’s legal team has emphasised that their client endured this environment for over a decade without the company adequately addressing her concerns.
Fox Sports Responds to Allegations
Fox Sports issued a statement expressing its seriousness about the allegations but declined to provide further comments due to the ongoing litigation. The network has not publicly disclosed any internal investigations or disciplinary actions regarding the accusations.
“We take these allegations seriously and have no further comment at this time, given the pending litigation,” Fox Sports said in a statement to Front Office Sports.
Faraji’s legal team has yet to respond publicly, but legal experts note that her case may be strongly supported due to the length of her employment and the contemporaneous nature of her complaints. Daniel Wallach, a sports law expert, pointed out that the fact that Faraji raised these issues with her coworkers could strengthen her credibility.
Lawsuit Comes Amid Changes at FS1
This lawsuit follows significant talent changes at FS1. Bayless departed the network in August 2024 after a long run as the star of Undisputed. His departure came after a high-profile clash with his co-host, Shannon Sharpe, who reached a buyout agreement following years of public disagreements. The lawsuit alleges that while Bayless’s departure from FS1 ended his direct influence, the toxic culture he reportedly helped foster at the network persisted.
Since the cancellation of Undisputed, FS1 has restructured its weekday lineup, launching new shows like Breakfast Ball and The Facility while continuing to air The Herd and First Things First. Notably, the lawsuit clears FS1 host Colin Cowherd of any wrongdoing, with Faraji’s team stating that Cowherd was consistently respectful during her time at Fox.
Looking Ahead: Potential for Broader Legal Impact
As the lawsuit progresses, it could have broader implications for workplace culture in the sports media industry. Similar cases involving sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace, such as those at ESPN and NFL Network, have led to settlements and increased attention on the issue. Faraji’s case could also prompt other Fox employees to come forward with their misconduct reports at the network.
The lawsuit names several individuals, including Bayless and Dixon, as defendants. However, Faraji’s legal team notes that other Fox executives, such as Mark Silverman, the president of Fox Sports, and Eric Shanks, the CEO of Fox Sports, could be added to the case depending on the information uncovered during the discovery process.
The Bigger Picture: Workplace Culture in Media
Faraji’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal actions that highlight the ongoing challenges within media companies regarding the handling of claims of harassment and mistreatment. As more individuals step forward to share their experiences, the lawsuit underscores the importance of creating safer, more accountable environments for all employees in the entertainment and sports industries.