A lawsuit filed in Los Angeles accuses prominent figures at Fox Sports of sexual harassment and creating a toxic workplace. Noushin Faraji, a former hairstylist at the network, is the plaintiff seeking legal redress.
Front Office Sports reported that Noushin Faraji alleges prolonged sexual harassment by Skip Bayless and other inappropriate behaviors at Fox Sports, prompting her legal action.
Faraji, who worked at Fox Sports from 2012 until August last year, claims she endured sexual advances and derogatory comments during her tenure. The lawsuit names Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Fox Sports EVP Charlie Dixon, Skip Bayless, and FS1 host Joy Taylor as defendants.
Among the specific allegations, Faraji asserts that Dixon grabbed her buttocks at a West Hollywood birthday party. Bayless, meanwhile, is accused of offering Faraji $1.5 million to engage in sexual relations with him and making inappropriate physical contact, including unwanted hugs and kisses.
The lawsuit documents several instances where Bayless allegedly mocked Faraji’s Muslim heritage. One reported remark was questioning whether her father had multiple wives, to which Faraji responded by informing him of her father's death.
Faraji’s 42-page lawsuit was filed on a Friday, focusing not only on individual harassment but also on a broader toxic work culture. She frequently complained to Human Resources about the behavior, but the lawsuit suggests that Fox did nothing substantial in response.
The document seeks unspecified monetary damages, a jury trial, and class-action status to include nonexempt Fox employees in California who were employed over the past four years. This collective approach underscores the alleged widespread nature of the issues at Fox Sports.
The lawsuit points out that while some colleagues like Colin Cowherd maintained professional conduct, others, including Joy Taylor, exacerbated the hostile environment. Taylor is accused of insulting Faraji personally and professionally after a fallout between the two.
Faraji disclosed in the lawsuit that she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer during her employment, which added to the challenges she faced at work. The stress of dealing with harassment and her health condition took a significant toll on her well-being.
Despite the personal and professional hardships, Faraji relayed her grievances through the proper channels. "Ms. Faraji brings forth this action because for over a decade at Fox, she was forced to endure a misogynistic, racist, and ableist workplace," alleges the lawsuit.
Moreover, the lawsuit argues that Fox not only failed to address complaints but also retaliated against those who reported misconduct, while allegedly promoting the offenders.
Following the filing, Fox Sports issued a concise statement. "We take these allegations seriously and have no further comment at this time given this pending litigation," reported Front Office Sports.
Devin Abney, Faraji's attorney, expressed his client's hope for vindication through the legal process and for the case to prompt Fox to rectify the alleged toxic workplace culture. "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," said Abney.
Legal experts weigh in on the potential impact of the case. Daniel Wallach, a sports law attorney, noted, "Just as importantly, she contemporaneously raised these issues with coworkers, which, in the jurors’ eyes, could boost the credibility of these claims." This aspect could play a crucial role in the proceedings by providing supporting testimony from current and former colleagues.
Throughout the ordeal, Faraji claims she tried to fend off Bayless' advances directly. “Skip, stop, you have a wife,” she purportedly told him during one of his inappropriate propositions.
Reflecting on the broader implications of her lawsuit, Faraji is determined to illuminate the alleged misconduct and mistreatment she and others faced at Fox Sports, hoping for significant changes within the corporation.