A former hairstylist at Fox Sports, Noushin Faraji, has come forward with shocking allegations against her former colleagues, including controversial sports personality Skip Bayless. A 42-page lawsuit filed by Faraji accuses Bayless, along with FS1 host Joy Taylor and executive Charlie Dixon, of various forms of workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior. Faraji, who became employed by Fox Sports from 2012 until August 2024, claims she endured numerous instances of harassment and discrimination during her tenure.
The lawsuit details how, at a West Hollywood birthday party, Dixon reportedly grabbed Faraji's buttocks, and when she confided this experience to Taylor, she was allegedly told to “get over it.” Faraji also asserts troubling experiences involving Bayless, who she claimed touched her inappropriately, offered her $1.5 million for sex, and engaged her with “lingering hugs and kisses on the cheek,” pressing his body against hers. The troubling allegations began during her work on the show “Undisputed,” which starred Bayless.
According to reports from Front Office Sports, Faraji felt compelled to reject multiple advances from Bayless. She allegedly informed him of her health struggles – she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer – and made it clear she did not wish to date at work. Yet, it seems her responses only exacerbated his aggression. Bayless allegedly countered her objection with inappropriate comments, even bringing up her Muslim background, stating, “Aren’t you Muslim? Doesn’t your dad have three to four wives?” This baffling response came after Faraji reminded him of his marital status.
For years, Faraji claims she worked within what she describes as a “misogynistic, racist, and ableist workplace,” where staff and talent were allegedly allowed to abuse colleagues without fear of repercussion. She claims Fox Sports did not take her complaints seriously nor took appropriate actions when she raised issues to Human Resources. Instead of resolving grievances, Faraji alleges Fox retaliated against those who stepped forward, promoting those involved instead of punishing them.
The culture at Fox Sports, as depicted by Faraji’s lawsuit, raises serious concerns about workplace conditions and the treatment of female employees. Her suit seeks class-action status for herself and others who may have faced similar issues over the past four years at Fox Sports. The suit calls for unspecified monetary damages and aims for a jury trial to challenge what she and her team regard as systematic abuse at the organization.
Bayless, who has left his post at Fox Sports after eight years of hosting “Undisputed,” is not the only prominent figure implicated. Joy Taylor has also been named, accused of mocking Faraji’s pronunciation and disparaging her personally and professionally once their friendship soured. Faraji suggests Taylor engaged with Dixon socially, hinting at complicity or at least awareness of the troubling culture within the workplace.
The allegations extend to 25 unnamed individuals represented as “DOES 1-25” within the lawsuit. This adds to the severity, as it suggests far-reaching patterns of abuse and misconduct may extend throughout the network. Fox Sports has since responded to the lawsuit, stating, “We take these allegations seriously and have no comment at this time due to pending litigation.”
The outcome remains uncertain as Faraji’s legal team navigates the proceedings. Bayless, having been dismissed from the network, is currently focusing on his podcast following his departure. Taylor, who remains at Fox Sports, has not publicly addressed the lawsuit. The case revolves not only around Faraji’s individual experiences but also highlights wider issues of workplace culture and accountability at Fox Sports.
Faraji's case is reminiscent of other high-profile lawsuits linked to workplace misconduct, shedding light on the systemic issues affecting women, particularly within male-dominated industries. Public sentiment is likely to sway as more information surfaces, making it imperative for media entities to reassess internal policies concerning employee conduct.
With the legal wheels now turning, it’s not just the reputations of the accused at stake; the lawsuit might also create ripples throughout the industry, potentially pushing for more significant changes aimed at improving workplace safety and equity for employees across the board.