Former Fox Sports Host Accused of Harassing Hairstylist, Offering $1.5M for Sex
A lawsuit filed in California Superior Court on Friday alleges that former Fox Sports host Skip Bayless made repeated unwanted advances toward a hairstylist, including an offer of $1.5 million for sex. The plaintiff, Noushin Faraji, who worked as a hairstylist for Fox Sports for over a decade, is seeking unspecified damages from Bayless, Fox Sports, and its parent company, Fox Corporation.
Allegations Against Bayless
Faraji claims Bayless’s advances began in 2017 and continued until 2023. According to the lawsuit, his behavior included lingering hugs, kisses on the cheek, and comments suggesting he could “change her life” if she agreed to have sex with him. In 2021, Bayless allegedly offered Faraji $1.5 million for sex and later threatened her job after she refused.
The lawsuit details Faraji’s attempts to maintain professionalism, emphasizing that she repeatedly rebuffed Bayless while being cautious to remain polite due to her position.
Hostile Work Environment at Fox Sports
The complaint further alleges that Fox Sports fostered a hostile work environment, allowing senior executives and on-air personalities, including Bayless, to engage in abusive behavior without consequences. Faraji says she remained silent for years, fearing retaliation, and claims she was ultimately fired in 2024 for “fabricated” reasons.
Fox Sports, in a brief statement, said it takes the allegations seriously but declined further comment due to the ongoing litigation.
Bayless’s Exit from Fox Sports
Skip Bayless’s tenure at Fox Sports ended in 2024 after the cancellation of his show, following a sharp decline in ratings after the departure of his co-host, Shannon Sharpe. Efforts to reach Bayless for comment have been unsuccessful, and his attorney, Jared Levine, has not responded to media inquiries.
Broader Workplace Issues
In addition to sexual harassment claims, the lawsuit alleges that Fox employees were denied full wages and overtime pay, seeking class-action status on behalf of others affected by these alleged practices.
Faraji’s lawsuit comes years after Fox Sports fired its head of programming in 2017 amid a separate sexual harassment investigation.
Faraji Goes Public
The Associated Press typically does not identify individuals alleging abuse unless they choose to go public. Faraji, by filing the lawsuit, has chosen to identify herself, asserting that it is important to speak out about her experiences at Fox Sports.
This lawsuit raises serious questions about the corporate culture at Fox Sports and the protections in place for employees subjected to harassment and workplace abuse. Further developments are expected as the case proceeds.
