Noushin Faraji, a former hairstylist for FOX Sports, has sued Skip Bayless and a number of others for alleged workplace misconduct, including Joy Taylor and FOX Sports Executive Vice President Charlie Dixon. The lawsuit claims that Faraji experienced sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation during her 10 years at FOX Sports.
The 42-page complaint, of which Front Office Sports obtained a copy, alleges that Faraji was repeatedly approached by Bayless, who offered her $1.5 million in exchange for sexual favors. According to the lawsuit, Bayless allegedly pressed his body against her and gave her “lingering hugs” after she joined “Undisputed,” FS1’s morning show which ended last year. According to reports, Faraji, a single mother, turned down Bayless several times and even revealed health problems to put him off and hopefully end Bayless’ advances.
Suit says Bayless got worse
Faraji claims Bayless’ behavior only got worse over the years, even to the point of accusing her of having sexual relations with his former co-star, Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe is now on ESPN. The suit recalls a conversation in which Bayless allegedly mocked Faraji’s religion, asking, “Aren’t you Muslim? Doesn’t your dad have three to four wives?”
Allegations of groping
Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Dixon, an executive at Fox Sports, “grabbed her buttocks” during a birthday celebration they attended. Faraji contacted Taylor about the incident in private, and the “Speak” host reportedly advised her to “get over it.” Additionally, Faraji claims that when their friendship ended, Taylor — who is identified as a defendant — started insulting her both personally and professionally. Taylor is charged with making fun of Faraji’s name and ancestry. Faraji says she told human resources about all the issues, but they ignored her. According to her, the culture at work is “misogynistic, racist, and ableist.”
The complaint comes amid a major reorganization of FOX Sports’ roster, which included Bayless leaving “Undisputed” in August of last year. Neither Bayless nor FS1 has spoken publicly about the allegations.
