Fox, Skip Bayless, Others Sued on 14 Counts Including Sexual Battery

Fox, Skip Bayless, Others Sued on 14 Counts Including Sexual Battery

Fox, Skip Bayless, Others Sued on 14 Counts Including Sexual Battery

A former Fox Sports hairstylist, Noushin Faraji, has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and misconduct by network executives and prominent on-air personalities, including Skip Bayless. The 42-page lawsuit, obtained by Front Office Sports, names Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Fox Sports EVP Charlie Dixon, Bayless, and FS1 host Joy Taylor as defendants.

Faraji, who worked at Fox Sports from 2012 until August 2024, accuses Dixon of grabbing her buttocks at a party in West Hollywood. When she reported the incident to Taylor, Faraji claims the host dismissed her concerns, allegedly telling her to "get over it."

The lawsuit seeks class-action status for Faraji and other California-based nonexempt Fox employees from the past four years. Faraji is requesting unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.

The allegations against Bayless include inappropriate touching, unwelcome advances, and harassment during her work on Undisputed. Faraji claims Bayless offered her $1.5 million to have sex with him, suggesting it could “change” her life. Despite her repeated refusals and attempts to deter him—at one point disclosing a serious medical condition—Faraji alleges that Bayless became increasingly aggressive. He allegedly accused her of having a relationship with his co-host, Shannon Sharpe, and made disparaging remarks about her Persian heritage and her late father.

Faraji also accuses Taylor of personal and professional insults, including mocking the pronunciation of her name, which she claims stemmed from her Persian background. After their friendship soured, Taylor allegedly began targeting her with verbal abuse.

The lawsuit alleges Faraji made multiple complaints to Fox’s Human Resources and Employee Relations departments over the years. It further claims that Fox perpetuated a toxic work environment, characterized by misogyny, racism, and ableism, while promoting individuals accused of misconduct.

Daniel Wallach, a sports law attorney, commented that Faraji’s longstanding tenure at Fox and references to multiple anonymous witnesses could strengthen her credibility. Wallach added that her contemporaneous reporting of incidents to colleagues might resonate with jurors.

In response, Fox Sports stated, “We take these allegations seriously and have no further comment at this time given this pending litigation.” Faraji’s attorneys have not yet issued a public statement.

The lawsuit highlights a broader pattern of alleged misconduct at sports media organizations. Similar cases include a 2017 lawsuit against NFL Network, where a stylist accused former players of harassment, and a 2019 settlement between ESPN and Adrienne Lawrence, who alleged systemic harassment at the network.

While the suit does not name Fox Sports executives Mark Silverman and Eric Shanks as defendants, it suggests they could be added during the discovery process. The lawsuit does, however, commend Colin Cowherd for maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor throughout Faraji’s tenure at Fox.

These allegations come amid significant talent shifts at FS1, following the cancelation of Undisputed and Bayless's departure. Faraji’s lawsuit underscores a persistent reckoning with workplace harassment and toxic culture within sports media organizations.