A former hairstylist at the Fox Sports studios in Los Angeles filed a lawsuit Friday alleging she was offered money in exchange for sex by Skip Bayless, a former star on the network.
The lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of California, by plaintiff Noushin Faraji includes counts of sexual battery and failure to prevent harassment. It accuses Charlie Dixon, executive vice president of content for Fox Sports 1, of groping Faraji at a party. It also accuses Fox Sports 1 host Joy Taylor of contributing to a hostile work environment.
“Ms. Faraji brings forth this action because for over a decade at Fox, she was forced to endure a misogynistic, racist, and ableist workplace where executives and talent were allowed to physically and verbally abuse workers with impunity,” the lawsuit stated.
“We take these allegations seriously and have no further comment at this time given this pending litigation,” a Fox Sports spokesman said in a statement.
Front Office Sports first reported the lawsuit. Bayless did not respond to a request for comment.
From 2016 to 2024, Faraji was a hairstylist on “Undisputed,” which starred Bayless, who over the past decades was among the biggest stars at Fox Sports and in sports TV. The show was canceled in August, after which Faraji’s employment at Fox was terminated. The suit states that during Faraji’s tenure, Bayless gave her “lingering hugs, kisses on the cheek” and said he could “change” her life if she had sex with him.
According to the lawsuit, after Faraji detailed health problems she was having to Bayless in 2021, Bayless offered her $1.5 million for sex, which she declined.
The suit includes a class-action provision, alleging Fox Sports has not paid all of its employees a minimum wage nor sufficient overtime wages.
Renowned sports commentator Skip Bayless and a Fox Sports executive have been named in a workplace misconduct lawsuit that has sent shockwaves through the sports media industry. The allegations, which include claims of a toxic work environment and harassment, have raised questions about the culture at Fox Sports and the broader implications for the industry.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed by a former employee in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Fox Sports fostered a workplace environment where inappropriate behavior was tolerated. The plaintiff claims that she was subjected to verbal harassment, discriminatory practices, and retaliation after raising concerns about the behavior of both Skip Bayless and the unnamed executive.
According to court documents, the plaintiff described multiple incidents where Bayless allegedly made demeaning remarks about her work and personal appearance. She also accused the executive of making inappropriate advances and creating a hostile work environment.
Skip Bayless’s Role
Bayless, known for his outspoken and polarizing style on Undisputed, has built a career on provocative commentary. However, the lawsuit alleges that his behavior behind the scenes was far from professional. The plaintiff claims that Bayless often used his influence to belittle staff members and dismissed concerns raised by colleagues about his conduct.
In one instance detailed in the lawsuit, Bayless allegedly undermined the plaintiff’s contributions to a project, stating that “women don’t understand sports at the same level as men.” This comment, the lawsuit asserts, reflects a broader culture of sexism within the organization.
The Executive’s Alleged Misconduct
The unnamed Fox Sports executive is accused of engaging in repeated inappropriate behavior, including making suggestive comments and retaliating against the plaintiff when she rejected his advances. The lawsuit also claims that the executive’s actions were well-known within the company but were ignored by higher management.
The plaintiff’s attorney stated, “Our client endured a workplace environment that no one should have to tolerate. This lawsuit seeks to hold those in power accountable and to bring about meaningful change at Fox Sports.”
Fox Sports’ Response
Fox Sports released a statement acknowledging the lawsuit but declined to comment on specific allegations. “We take all claims of workplace misconduct seriously and are committed to providing a safe and respectful work environment for all employees. We will address these allegations through the appropriate legal channels,” the statement read.
Industry Reactions
The lawsuit has sparked widespread discussion within the sports media industry. Critics have pointed to the allegations as indicative of a broader issue of toxic workplace cultures in high-pressure media environments. Several former employees of Fox Sports have come forward anonymously to share similar experiences, adding weight to the claims made in the lawsuit.
On social media, reactions have been mixed. While some fans have expressed support for Bayless, citing his contributions to sports commentary, others have called for accountability and transparency. The hashtag #FoxSportsLawsuit began trending shortly after news of the lawsuit broke.
What’s Next?
Legal experts suggest that the case could take months or even years to resolve, depending on whether it proceeds to trial or is settled out of court. In the meantime, the lawsuit’s impact on Bayless’s career and Fox Sports’ reputation remains uncertain.
For Skip Bayless, the lawsuit adds a new layer of controversy to his already polarizing public image. As for Fox Sports, the case serves as a critical test of its commitment to addressing workplace misconduct and ensuring accountability at all levels.
Conclusion
The allegations against Skip Bayless and the Fox Sports executive highlight the urgent need for systemic change in workplace cultures across industries. As the lawsuit unfolds, it will likely serve as a litmus test for how media organizations handle misconduct allegations and work to rebuild trust with employees and audiences alike.
