Fox Sports Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Harassment by Skip Bayless, Executives

A former Fox Sports hairstylist has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment by prominent network figures, including longtime host Skip Bayless and FS1 executive Charlie Dixon. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accuses Bayless of making repeated unwanted advances and offering $1.5 million for sex, while Dixon is accused of inappropriate physical contact at a party.

Noushin Faraji, who worked at Fox Sports from 2012 to August 2024, claims in the 42-page lawsuit that Bayless subjected her to years of harassment, including lingering hugs, inappropriate comments, and propositions. Faraji, a single mother, alleges she repeatedly rejected Bayless’ advances and even disclosed her ovarian cancer diagnosis in an attempt to deter him. The lawsuit also claims Bayless accused her of having a relationship with his former co-host, Shannon Sharpe.

Faraji further alleges that Dixon, Fox Sports’ executive vice president of content, grabbed her buttocks at a West Hollywood birthday party. When she reported the incident to FS1 host Joy Taylor, Taylor allegedly dismissed her concerns, telling her to “get over it.” The lawsuit also accuses Taylor of mocking Faraji’s Persian heritage and engaging in romantic relationships with Dixon and former FS1 host Emmanuel Acho, which allegedly influenced workplace dynamics.

Fox Sports released a statement saying, “We take these allegations seriously and have no further comment at this time given this pending litigation.” Faraji’s attorney, Devin Abney, stated, “Our client looks forward to being vindicated and hopes this will compel Fox to take meaningful and substantial steps to address and resolve the toxic workplace that has impacted her and many of her colleagues.”

The lawsuit seeks class-action status on behalf of Faraji and other Fox employees in California over the past four years. It also names Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Joy Taylor as defendants, while noting that Fox Sports executives Mark Silverman and Eric Shanks could be added based on discovery findings.

This case is the latest in a series of sexual harassment allegations against major sports media networks. In 2017, a former NFL Network stylist sued the network over harassment by on-air talent, and in 2019, ESPN settled a lawsuit with a former on-air personality who alleged a toxic workplace culture.

Bayless, who left Fox Sports in August 2024 after eight years as the star of “Undisputed,” has not publicly commented on the allegations. His former co-host, Stephen A. Smith, expressed shock at the claims but emphasized the need for due process. Meanwhile, former Fox Sports personalities Jason Whitlock and Marcellus Wiley have weighed in on social media, with Wiley suggesting the allegations “unlock” past workplace dynamics and Whitlock making controversial remarks about Taylor.

The lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about workplace culture in sports media and could have significant implications for Fox Sports as it navigates the legal and reputational fallout.