10 Things to Know About the Fox Sports Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
A woman who worked as a hairstylist for Fox Sports alleges in a lawsuit that former host Skip Bayless made repeated, unwanted advances toward her — including an offer of $1.5 million to have sex with him — among other allegations.
By Joy Harris // EEW Magazine Online
A new Fox Sports lawsuit alleges sexual harassment, racism, and retaliation. Pictured above Left to Right—Charlie Dixon, Joy Taylor, Noushin Faraji, and Skip Bayless: EEW Magazine
A bombshell lawsuit filed against Fox Sports has rocked the sports media world, with allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation involving some of the network's biggest names.
EEW Magazine Online does not typically identify people who allege sexual misconduct unless they have publicly identified themselves, as the plaintiff has done in the lawsuit.
Here are the key points you need to know from the 42-page lawsuit obtained by EEW Magazine:
1. The Plaintiff and Timeline Noushin Faraji worked at Fox Sports from 2012 to 2024, starting as a part-time hairstylist before moving to full-time. During her 12-year tenure, she claims she experienced persistent harassment and discrimination, culminating in what she alleges was a retaliatory firing in August 2024 after raising concerns about workplace misconduct.
2. The Major Players The lawsuit names high-profile defendants, including Fox Sports, Fox Corporation, FS1, FS2, executive vice president Charlie Dixon, former host Skip Bayless, and current host Joy Taylor. Each faces specific allegations ranging from sexual harassment to discrimination and retaliation.
3. The Dixon Allegations At the center of the lawsuit are serious claims against Charlie Dixon, Fox Sports' executive vice president of content. According to court documents, Dixon allegedly sexually assaulted Faraji at a West Hollywood party in 2017, groping her despite her protests. Additionally, an anonymous television host allegedly told Faraji that Dixon made sexual favors a condition for contract renewals.
4. The Bayless Incidents The allegations against Skip Bayless suggest a pattern of escalating harassment. What began as weekly haircuts allegedly evolved into unwanted touching, including lingering hugs and cheek kisses without consent. The situation reportedly peaked when Bayless allegedly offered Faraji $1.5 million for sex after she disclosed her cancer diagnosis.
5. Joy Taylor's Role The lawsuit portrays Joy Taylor in a complex light. Initially Faraji's friend, Taylor allegedly dismissed her harassment concerns with advice to "get over it." The suit also claims Taylor secured her position through an affair with Dixon and maintained simultaneous sexual relationships with both Dixon and Emmanuel Acho while advancing her career. Taylor is further accused of mocking Faraji's Persian accent.
6. The Power Dynamic A recurring theme throughout the lawsuit is the misuse of power to silence victims. Faraji claims that colleagues warned her reporting harassment would jeopardize her career and ability to support her son. The suit alleges whistleblowers faced retaliation, while perpetrators enjoyed promotions.
7. The Workplace Culture The lawsuit describes Fox Sports as a "misogynistic, racist, and ableist workplace" where executives and talent allegedly operated with impunity. Legal experts suggest such systemic issues often indicate deeper organizational dysfunction, especially when multiple senior figures are implicated.
8. Fox's Response To date, Fox Sports has issued a brief statement: "We take these allegations seriously and have no further comment at this time given this pending litigation." This standard response offers little insight into how the network plans to address the claims.
9. The Legal Claims The lawsuit lists multiple causes of action, including sexual battery, hostile work environment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage violations. Filed as a class action, the suit suggests Faraji's attorneys believe other employees may have faced similar treatment.
10. The Broader Implications This case arrives amid heightened scrutiny of workplace conduct in media. Industry observers suggest its outcome could set significant precedents for how media companies address harassment allegations and implement reporting structures. The inclusion of wage violations alongside harassment claims highlights broader systemic issues within Fox Sports.
The resolution of this lawsuit could reshape workplace culture in sports media, where power imbalances and professional pressures have historically created environments vulnerable to abuse.
The suit also includes class-action allegations, and claims Fox employees were not paid for all of their hours worked, compensated for overtime or reimbursed for business expenses.
As the case unfolds, it may spark a wider conversation about accountability and employee protections in the entertainment industry.
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