A former Fox Sports employee, Noushin Faraji, has filed a lawsuit alleging a hostile work environment and sexual harassment. The suit targets Skip Bayless, among others, claiming inappropriate behavior and financial inducements.
The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court, details allegations of misconduct spanning several years. Faraji claims Skip Bayless offered her $1.5 million for sex after she confided in him about a possible cancer diagnosis. The lawsuit further asserts that Bayless engaged in unwanted physical contact and made inappropriate comments.
Crucially, the complaint also alleges that Charlie Dixon, executive vice president of content for Fox Sports 1, inappropriately touched Faraji at a party. It also accuses Joy Taylor, a Sports 1 host, of contributing to a hostile work environment. The lawsuit asserts a pattern of misogynistic, racist, and ableist behavior tolerated within the workplace.
A spokesperson for Fox Sports responded with a statement, expressing that they are taking the allegations seriously but declining further comment due to the pending litigation. Skip Bayless has not publicly commented.
The lawsuit, which also cites inadequate compensation and minimum wage violations, underscores allegations of a widespread systemic issue within the Fox Sports workplace. The complaint claims that when employees reported the abuse, Fox Sports retaliated rather than address the concerns.
Faraji worked for Fox Sports on the show Undisputed from 2016 to 2024, until the show's cancellation last August. Her employment was subsequently terminated. Bayless also departed from Fox Sports around the same time.
The case highlights growing concerns about workplace misconduct in the sports media industry and raises questions about accountability and response to complaints. The Independent has contacted both Fox Sports and Skip Bayless for further comment.
