A lawsuit filed by former Fox Sports hairdresser Noushin Faraji has shed light on what she describes as a toxic workplace culture marked by harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
The Fox Sports harassment lawsuit: Here’s everything we know
The lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles court, names prominent figures, including Skip Bayless, Charlie Dixon, and Joy Taylor, as defendants.
Faraji alleges that the culture at Fox Sports not only enabled misconduct but also punished those who spoke out against it.
According to court documents, Faraji claims she endured repeated incidents of sexual harassment and unwanted advances during her time at the network.
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She also alleges that her Iranian heritage made her a target of discriminatory remarks and that her attempts to raise concerns were met with retaliation.
Skip Bayless: The allegations at the forefront
Central to Faraji’s lawsuit are allegations against Skip Bayless, one of Fox Sports’ most recognisable personalities.
She claims that Bayless repeatedly made unwanted advances, including inappropriate physical contact such as lingering hugs and kissing her on the cheek.
The situation escalated in July 2021, when Bayless allegedly offered Faraji $1.5 million (est. R28 million) in exchange for a sexual relationship.
Faraji rejected the proposition, which she says led to further tension.
Bayless allegedly retaliated by accusing her of having an affair with his co-host, Shannon Sharpe.
He is said to have warned her that her job could be at risk if she did not conform to his expectations.
These allegations, if proven, could mark a serious blemish on the broadcaster’s career and the network’s reputation.
Joy Taylor: Dismissed concerns and allegations of favouritism
The lawsuit also implicates Joy Taylor, a high-profile broadcaster at Fox Sports.
Faraji alleges that Taylor dismissed her concerns when she reported inappropriate behaviour by executive Charlie Dixon.
According to Faraji, Taylor implied that their jobs were dependent on Dixon’s favour, discouraging her from pursuing the matter further.
Faraji also claims that Taylor mocked her English pronunciation, contributing to a hostile work environment.
The lawsuit links Taylor to Dixon through an alleged personal relationship, suggesting favouritism played a role in her professional advancement.
These allegations position Taylor not just as a figure within the network but as someone complicit in perpetuating its alleged toxic culture.
Charlie Dixon: Abuse of power and retaliation
As an executive vice president, Charlie Dixon is accused of leveraging his position to harass and intimidate employees.
Faraji alleges that Dixon groped her during an office birthday party. When she reported his behaviour, her work schedule was cut, and she was ultimately terminated under the guise of “operational adjustments.”
Dixon’s alleged personal relationship with Taylor and his reported favouritism toward certain employees are cited as key examples of how power dynamics at Fox Sports created an environment rife with misconduct.
The network has yet to respond to the allegations as the case proceeds in court.
