A shocking lawsuit has rocked Fox Sports as a former hairstylist comes forward with serious allegations against prominent sports personality Skip Bayless and network executives.
According to Front Office Sports, Noushin Faraji, who worked at Fox Sports from 2012 through August 2024, has filed a 42-page lawsuit containing 14 counts, including sexual battery, against Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Fox Sports EVP Charlie Dixon, Skip Bayless, and FS1 host Joy Taylor.
The lawsuit details disturbing allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior spanning several years. Faraji claims Bayless offered her $1.5 million to have sex with him and made unwanted physical advances. She also alleges that Dixon, FS1's head of content, grabbed her buttocks at a party in West Hollywood.
The lawsuit describes a pattern of escalating behavior from Bayless, who allegedly gave Faraji "lingering hugs and kisses on the cheek while putting his body against hers and pressing against her breasts."
Despite Faraji's repeated rejections and attempts to discourage his advances, including informing him about her ovarian cancer diagnosis, the suit claims Bayless became more aggressive over time.
Sports law attorney Daniel Wallach, who co-hosts the Conduct Detrimental podcast, provided insight into the case's potential strength. He noted that Faraji's long tenure at Fox Sports and references to multiple anonymous witnesses suggest she may have substantial evidence to support her claims.
According to the lawsuit, Faraji made multiple complaints to Human Resources and Employee Relations departments during her employment. The suit also alleges that Joy Taylor, after the end of their friendship, began mocking Faraji's English pronunciation and insulting her both personally and professionally.
The lawsuit seeks class-action status on behalf of Faraji and other nonexempt Fox employees working in California over the past four years. Fox Sports has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, as stated by their representative:
We take these allegations seriously and have no further comment at this time given this pending litigation.
The case joins a history of similar lawsuits in sports media. In 2017, NFL Network faced legal action from wardrobe stylist Jami Cantor, who alleged sexual harassment by multiple former players. ESPN has also dealt with comparable situations, including a settlement with former on-air personality Adrienne Lawrence in 2019.
This legal development coincides with significant changes at FS1, where Bayless departed in August 2024 after eight years of hosting Undisputed. The network has undergone substantial programming modifications, launching new shows like Breakfast Ball and The Facility while maintaining established programs such as The Herd with Colin Cowherd.
Faraji's attorney, Devin Abney, expressed their client's determination to seek justice and create meaningful change:
Our client looks forward to being vindicated and hopes this will compel Fox to take meaningful and substantial steps to address and resolve the toxic workplace that has impacted her and many of her colleagues.
The lawsuit against Fox Sports and Skip Bayless represents a significant challenge for the network and its former star personality. Faraji, a former Fox Sports hairstylist, has filed a comprehensive legal action containing 14 counts, including sexual battery, against multiple defendants within the Fox Sports organization.
As the case moves forward, it has the potential to impact workplace culture in sports media while adding to the ongoing conversation about harassment and misconduct in professional environments.
