Fox Sports Faces Lawsuit: Bayless and Taylor Deny Allegations, Network Seeks Dismissal

LOS ANGELES — Fox Sports, along with prominent personalities Skip Bayless and Joy Taylor, are embroiled in a legal battle following a lawsuit filed by Noushin Faraji, a former hairstylist for FS1. The lawsuit alleges sexual misconduct by Bayless and a hostile work environment created by Taylor. All parties have denied the allegations, with Fox Sports seeking a dismissal of the case.

Faraji’s lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accuses Bayless of repeated sexual propositions, including an offer of $1.5 million for sex, verbal harassment, and inappropriate physical contact. She claims Taylor created a hostile work environment through discrimination based on race, national origin, and disability. The lawsuit further alleges that Fox Sports executive vice president Charlie Dixon committed sexual battery against Faraji. On Tuesday, Bayless and Taylor filed individual responses denying any wrongdoing.

Bayless’ legal team argued that Faraji “consented, by words or conduct” to the alleged actions. Furthermore, they contend that Faraji’s emotional distress was due to “pre-existing psychological or medical conditions.” The response also invokes the doctrine of “unclean hands,” suggesting Faraji is not entitled to relief due to her own alleged inequitable conduct.

Taylor’s defense mirrors Bayless’ in some aspects, arguing that Faraji’s distress stemmed from “outside factors.” Her attorneys also claim that Faraji “was not a qualified person with a disability,” disputing her claims of disability-related harassment. A spokeswoman for Taylor stated that the lawsuit was a strategic attempt to gain media attention and financial benefit, asserting that the allegations are without merit. The attorneys for Fox Sports echoed the denials in their response, asserting they “exercised reasonable care to prevent and to correct any unlawful harassing and/or retaliatory workplace conduct.” They also cited Faraji’s alleged failure to utilize preventative or corrective opportunities provided by the network as grounds for dismissal.

The allegations surfaced amid separate claims against Dixon. Former Fox Sports anchor and reporter Julie Stewart-Binks alleged that Dixon sexually assaulted her in 2016. Dixon was reportedly terminated from Fox in January.

Representatives for Fox Sports, Bayless, Taylor, and Faraji have not yet issued formal statements. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the potential to significantly impact the careers and reputations of those involved. The case also raises questions about workplace conduct and the handling of harassment allegations within Fox Sports.

This lawsuit adds further scrutiny to Fox Sports, particularly as it prepares to broadcast Super Bowl LIX. Internal discussions and legal strategies are undoubtedly underway as the network navigates these serious accusations and seeks to minimize any negative impact on its image and operations.