Julie Stewart-Binks, a former Fox Sports anchor and reporter, has filed a lawsuit against the network and executive Charlie Dixon, alleging sexual assault during her time with the company. The complaint, filed on January 31, 2025, details disturbing allegations of misconduct by Dixon, who is described as having intentionally harassed Stewart-Binks.
The lawsuit alleges Dixon pushed Stewart-Binks against a wall and forcibly kissed her after meeting to discuss her role for the Super Bowl assignment in January 2016. These claims add to the growing list of allegations against Dixon, who currently serves as Fox Sports' executive vice president of content.
According to the document, following the alleged assault, Stewart-Binks approached Fox's human resources department. She claims the network made a conscious choice to protect Dixon, allowing what she describes as 'a sexual predator' to maintain his position for nearly ten years. This assertion highlights troubling aspects of the corporate culture at Fox Sports.
Stewart-Binks worked at FS1 when it first launched, having joined the network as it sought to establish itself as a competitor to ESPN. Known for her engaging presence and analytical skills, she earned acclaim after covering significant events like the Women’s World Cup. Her career appeared to be on the rise until the incident with Dixon and subsequent events led to her exit from the network.
This latest lawsuit follows earlier allegations made by Noushin Faraji, another former employee who claimed Dixon groped her and engaged in other inappropriate behaviors. These parallel accusations have cast doubt on Fox’s commitment to addressing issues of sexual misconduct seriously and effectively.
Stewart-Binks recalls Dixon belittling her professional capabilities, expressing disbelief about her ability to perform on screen. She was quoted saying, “The only way someone would watch you is if you got on top of this bar and took your top off,” representing the toxic environment she endured.
Despite these revelations, Fox Sports responded with statements claiming the incidents being discussed are from over eight years ago and argued they had previously investigated the allegations through third-party channels. 'These allegations stem from events nearly a decade ago,' the network claimed. Critics argue, though, the repeated misconduct implies more systemic issues within the organization.
After the incident with Dixon, Stewart-Binks was reportedly pressured to partake in what became one of the most controversial moments of her career—an episode involving Rob Gronkowski during Super Bowl week. This segment, where Gronkowski performed suggestive dance moves on air, drew significant backlash, with Stewart-Binks criticized for her participation.
Later, she reflected on the pressure she felt to prove herself to her superiors at FS1, especially after the assault. “You have autonomy over yourself to say ‘no’ and leave. But you don’t, and you say ‘yes’ because he held the power to everything,” Stewart-Binks explained, shedding light on the moral dilemmas she faced.
The fallout from the Gronkowski incident overshadowed her ability to regain footing in her career. Despite her previous success, Stewart-Binks had trouble finding stability, taking on smaller roles with various networks, struggling with the emotional toll caused by Dixon’s alleged actions.
Stewart-Binks expressed her frustration over witnessing former colleagues thriving whilst she faced career setbacks. Her lawsuit argues she has experienced continuous emotional distress, emphasizing the need for accountability from powerful executives like Dixon who seem to evade consequences for their actions.
Friends and colleagues have recounted feeling shocked at both Dixon's behavior and the apparent systemic tolerance of such conduct within the network. When Dixon's name came up during internal HR inquiries involving other incidents of misconduct, Stewart-Binks decided it was time to reveal her own experiences.
The complex dynamics of workplace culture have come under intense scrutiny as more women speak out against powerful figures. Stewart-Binks stated, “I didn’t want to hold onto it anymore,” clearly indicating her motivation for bringing these allegations to light.
Julie Stewart-Binks’ lawsuit against Charlie Dixon and Fox Sports embodies the larger fight against workplace sexual harassment and the urgent need for organizations to reform how they handle such allegations. Fox Sports' history of defending high-ranking executives potentially places it at odds with modern standards for professionalism and accountability.
With several lawsuits now highlighting harmful patterns of behavior within the company, the call for reform has never been clearer. Stewart-Binks hopes her actions will lead to significant changes within Fox Sports and encourage others to come forward with their own stories.