Joy Taylor, the prominent host of Fox Sports' "Speak", has recently become the center of controversy following her abrupt absence from the show over the last three episodes. This unexpected sidelining, reported by sources, has led to speculation about her future at FS1 and raised questions related to workplace misconduct allegations.
Having joined Fox Sports back in 2016, Taylor has built herself up as one of the network's key figures, taking the lead on "Speak" since September 2022. Yet, this week, Taylor’s absence was felt as she missed three consecutive episodes without any formal explanation from the network or her co-hosts. Co-host Keyshawn Johnson vaguely informed viewers on air about her absence, stating she was "out for the day," leaving many to wonder what was going on.
According to reports from Ryan Glasspiegel and Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, Taylor’s absence is linked to being "sidelined" by Fox Sports due to what internal sources refer to as "an infraction". The specifics of this infraction remain undisclosed, prompting fans and viewers alike to speculate wildly about the potential consequences. While she was reportedly unavailable for comment, social media was rife with theories. Some fans suggested it could be related to Taylor's involvement in the bombshell workplace misconduct lawsuit filed by Noushin Faraji, who was formerly employed as a hairstylist at Fox Sports.
Faraji's lawsuit claims Taylor made racially insensitive remarks and engaged in sexual relationships with Fox Sports executives to advance her career. These claims implicate not only Taylor but also key network personnel including executive Charlie Dixon and former FS1 personality Skip Bayless. Faraji’s allegations contend Taylor dismissed her concerns about harassment, telling her to simply "get over it" when Faraji expressed discomfort over unwanted advances from Dixon.
Despite the gravity of the allegations outlined within the 42-page lawsuit, Taylor remained on air until this week, actively hosting episodes of "Speak" and appearing at public events. Many were surprised by her sudden sidelining now, especially after she hosted shows surrounding Super Bowl LIX earlier this month without any issues. It raises questions among industry insiders about how Fox is handling the fallout from the allegations.
This week’s developments have led to widespread debate about Taylor's standing at Fox Sports. While many are speculating about potential termination plans, others highlight the seeming inconsistency of her being sidelined after successfully hosting shows during the lawsuit's peak scrutiny. One viewer pointed out on social media, "It's obvious they’re moving on. The set is definitely different. This makes sense," alluding to the possible changes behind the scenes.
Adding fuel to the fire, Taylor's spokesperson has vigorously denied Faraji's accusations, insisting they are "devoid of merit" and are merely attempts to grab media attention. The spokesperson emphasized Taylor's strong denial of any wrongdoing, stating, "The claims set forth against Ms. Taylor appear to have been strategically framed to create unwarranted publicity rather than to seek legitimate redress." While Fox has performed damage control, they have reportedly chosen not to comment directly on Taylor’s absence.
Faraji’s lawsuit also names Dixon, who was placed on leave earlier this month after being accused of sexual misconduct. Similarly, Skip Bayless, who left Fox Sports last August, is also mentioned alongside Taylor and Dixon, hinting at the network’s dark internal culture being brought to light. The lawsuit has caused ripples across the sports journalism community, raising awareness about issues of harassment and discrimination within the industry.
Notably, Dixon’s alleged actions include inappropriate conduct toward Faraji, making his placement on leave particularly relevant to Taylor’s situation. After Dixon's involvement surfaced, Taylor continued to appear on air, demonstrating the lack of immediate repercussions on her until now.
Social media reactions have been mixed, some fans believing Taylor may face firing soon, especially considering the lawsuit's impact. One user remarked, "She’ll probably end up being fired. She’ll go to ESPN," encapsulating the fears circulating among supporters and followers of her work at FS1.
The situation continues to evolve, and as Taylor remains absent from "Speak", viewers are eager for clarity on the outcome of allegations surrounding her and her colleagues at Fox Sports. “It’s tough to see someone so talented potentially sidelined by circumstance,” another viewer commented. “This is not just about her career but speaks volumes about the realities female hosts face behind the scenes.”
Given the high-profile nature of these situations, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Taylor at Fox Sports. With her absence felt prominently on the show, the network's next steps will surely be under scrutiny, especially as viewers await any official statements or developments.