Lawsuit Alleges Fox Sports Ex-Host Harassed Hairstylist and Offered Her $1.5 Million for Sex
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A woman who worked as a hairstylist for Fox Sports alleges in a lawsuit that former host Skip Bayless made repeated, unwanted advances toward her — including an offer of $1.5 million to have sex with him.
Allegations of Harassment and Racial Discrimination
Attorneys for Noushin Faraji, who was a hair stylist at Fox for more than a decade, are seeking unspecified damages from Bayless, Fox Sports and its parent company, Fox Corporation, according to a copy of the lawsuit filed Friday in California Superior Court in Los Angeles.
Hostile Work Environment
The complaint claims Fox executives fostered a hostile work environment that allowed senior managers and on-air personalities, including Bayless, to abuse workers without fear of punishment.
Background on the Allegations
The Associated Press does not generally identify, in text or images, those who say they have been sexually assaulted or subjected to abuse unless they have publicly identified themselves as Faraji has in filing the lawsuit.
Response from Bayless’s Attorney
An attorney for Bayless, Jared Levine, did not immediately respond to AP’s telephone and text messages seeking comment. Email and phone messages left at Bayless’s talent company were not immediately returned.
Response from Fox Sports
Fox Sports said in a statement that it takes the allegations seriously but had no further comment given the pending lawsuit.
Alleged Behavior by Bayless
Faraji claimed that the advances by Bayless, which began in 2017 and continued until last year, included lingering hugs, kisses on the cheek, and comments from Bayless that he could change Faraji’s life if she had sex with him.
Offer of $1.5 Million
In 2021, she claims in the suit, Bayless offered Faraji $1.5 million for sex and, after she refused, later threatened her job.
Consequences of Refusal
“Ms. Faraji knew that he was trying to pressure her into having sex with him, but she kept repeating that she was a professional that had to be kind to all talent,” the lawsuit says.
Background on Bayless and Faraji
Bayless worked for Fox Sports until 2024 when his show was canceled after its ratings plummeted with the departure of his co-host, Shannon Sharpe.
Firing of Faraji
Faraji said she was fired in 2024 based on “fabricated” reasons. The lawsuit said she initially remained quiet about her treatment at Fox, believing she could be in danger if she went public.
Class-Action Suit
The suit also claims Fox employees were not paid their full wages or overtime. It seeks class-action status on behalf of other workers who allegedly were impacted.
Previous Incident at Fox Sports
In 2017, Fox Sports fired its head of programming amid a probe of sexual harassment allegations.
Conclusion
The allegations made by Faraji in this lawsuit are a stark reminder of the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment, free from harassment and discrimination. It is essential that companies like Fox Sports take allegations of this nature seriously and take immediate action to address them.
FAQs
Q: Who is Skip Bayless?
A: Skip Bayless is a former TV host who worked for Fox Sports.
Q: Who is Noushin Faraji?
A: Noushin Faraji is a former hairstylist who worked for Fox Sports for over a decade.
Q: What are the allegations made against Bayless?
A: Faraji alleges that Bayless made repeated, unwanted advances toward her, including an offer of $1.5 million to have sex with him and made her feel uncomfortable with his behavior.
Q: What is the status of the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit is currently pending in California Superior Court in Los Angeles.
Q: What is the alleged reason for Faraji’s firing?
A: Faraji claims she was fired based on “fabricated” reasons.
Q: What is the alleged impact on other employees?
A: The lawsuit claims that Fox employees were not paid their full wages or overtime and seeks class-action status on behalf of other workers who allegedly were impacted.
