Kaylah Walton
A former hairstylist for FOX Sports, Noushin Faraji, has initiated legal action against several high-profile figures from the network, such as Skip Bayless, FOX Sports EVP Charlie Dixon, and Joy Taylor, alleging improper conduct in the workplace.
The lawsuit, submitted last Friday, details claims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliatory actions during Faraji’s ten-year career at FOX Sports.
Bayless implicated in a serious sexual misconduct lawsuit
The comprehensive 42-page lawsuit, acquired by Front Office Sports, alleges that Bayless made numerous inappropriate advances towards Faraji, including an allegedly made offer of $1.5 million for sexual favors.
Once Faraji became part of the Undisputed morning show, Bayless reportedly engaged in inappropriate actions, such as giving her prolonged hugs and getting too close physically.
Faraji, a single mother, consistently rejected Bayless’s propositions, even going so far as to disclose personal health challenges in an attempt to deter him.
“When Ms. Faraji and others came forward to share their experiences, instead of listening to their complaints, Fox retaliated while those responsible faced no consequences and were instead promoted,” the lawsuit asserts.
Over time, Faraji contends that Bayless heightened his harassment, one instance involving him accusing her of being romantically linked with Shannon Sharpe, a former co-host.
The document includes an episode where Bayless allegedly ridiculed Faraji‘s cultural background, asking, “Aren’t you Muslim? Doesn’t your dad have three to four wives?”
Furthermore, the lawsuit states that Charlie Dixon from FOX Sports allegedly “grabbed her buttocks” during a birthday event they were both attending.
In confidence, Faraji informed Joy Taylor about this incident, only to be advised by Taylor to “get over it.”
Following the end of their friendship, Taylor allegedly started to insult Faraji both personally and professionally.
It is claimed that Taylor made fun of Faraji’s name and ethnic background.
Faraji expressed that after reporting these issues to Human Resources, her concerns were dismissed.
She describes the workplace environment as “misogynistic, racist, and ableist.”
This lawsuit has surfaced at a time of major staff changes at FOX Sports, which recently saw Bayless leave Undisputed last August.
So far, Bayless, known for being a controversial figure in sports media, has not publicly addressed the allegations, and FOX Sports has remained silent regarding the lawsuit.
