A former Fox Sports hairstylist filed a lawsuit that alleges a network executive forcefully touched her and used his position “to sexually harass women.” The suit also claims former personality Skip Bayless offered to pay the hairstylist for sex.
The lawsuit was filed by Noushin Faraji, who says she worked at Fox Sports from 2012 until August 2024, in Los Angeles County court on Friday. Fox Sports and its other properties are named defendants in the suit, as well as executive vice president of content of FS1 Charlie Dixon, Bayless and network host Joy Taylor.
The news of the lawsuit was first reported by Front Office Sports.
“Faraji brings forth this action because for over a decade at Fox, she was forced to endure a misogynistic, racist and ableist workplace where executives and talent were allowed to physically and verbally abuse workers with impunity,” the lawsuit reads.
In a statement to USA TODAY Sports, Fox Sports said, “We take these allegations seriously and have no further comment at this time given this pending litigation.”
Allegations against Fox Sports executive Charlie Dixon
Faraji alleges Dixon rubbed her body and grabbed her buttocks while attending a party for Taylor in West Hollywood in January 2017. Faraji said she was mortified over the situation and tried to tell Taylor, who she described as a friend, but Taylor told her “get over it,” according to details in the lawsuit.
It is also alleged an anonymous employee told Faraji she wouldn’t be working with Fox Sports after she refused to have sex with Dixon in order to have her contract renewed. The anonymous person also said Dixon “was doing this to other women talent,” according to the suit.
The lawsuit accuses Fox of not properly investigating Dixon’s actions for sexual advances and says he used his position of power to coerce women into having sexual relations with him.
“As Fox knew or should have known of Mr. Dixon’s willingness and propensity to use his position to sexually harass women, Fox is liable for the materialization of that particular harm,” the suit reads.
Allegations against Skip Bayless
Faraji did the hairstyling for several shows during her time at Fox Sports, including “Undisputed.” While doing work for the show, she did the hair for then-personality Bayless.
The suit alleges soon after weekly haircuts started, Bayless “began finding excuses to touch” Faraji. Over the years Faraji worked with Bayless, he allegedly continued to make advances toward her. In July 2021, Faraji reportedly informed Bayless about a possible cancer diagnosis, hoping to stop the sexual advances, but he continued with it.
“Bayless told her that he wanted to be with her. Ms. Faraji panicked and began rambling that there were cameras everywhere, that she has a child, and that she does not want him,” the suit reads. “Bayless then grabbed her hands, began kissing them, and offered her $1.5 million to have sex. Ms. Faraji made an excuse to leave.”
Bayless reportedly made another advance the next week, and when Faraji informed him that he has a wife, Bayless made a comment regarding her religion. He also accused Faraji of having a relationship with Shannon Sharpe, his co-star on “Undisputed,” according to the complaint.
The advances from Bayless continued into 2024. He allegedly told Faraji he fantasizes about her and “asked how much money it would take for her to have sex with him.”
Bayless was with Fox Sports until August, when he left “Undisputed” and the network following eight-years. It was during this time period when Faraji said she was fired. The suit said Bayless told Faraji that Dixon wanted her fired “because she knew too much and was talking.”
“Ms. Faraji has suffered, and continues to suffer, losses in earnings, losses in other employment benefits, losses in other financial aspects. Furthermore, she has suffered, and continues to suffer, emotional distress, shame, embarrassment, and fear, all to her damage, in an amount to be proven at the time of trial,” the suit reads.
“When Ms. Faraji and others came forward to report the wrongdoing, instead of addressing their concerns, Fox retaliated against them while the perpetrators and those who protected them were inexplicitly promoted.”
Bayless currently hosts his own podcast, “The Skip Bayless Show” on YouTube.
Allegations against Joy Taylor
In addition to Taylor’s name surfacing in Faraji’s complaints against Dixon, the lawsuit makes specific claims against Taylor as well.
The suit alleges Taylor began “insulting Ms. Faraji on a personal and professional level” after their friendship ended. Faraji, who is of Persian descent, also claims Taylor mocked the “English” pronunciation of her name.
Taylor, who previously was a host for “Undisputed,” is currently a co-host for the FS1 show “Speak” with with Keyshawn Johnson and Paul Pierce.
