Former Fox Sports Anchor Alleges Executive Sexually Assaulted Her in 2016
Julie Stewart-Binks Files Lawsuit Against Fox Sports and Executive Charlie Dixon
Former Fox Sports anchor and reporter Julie Stewart-Binks has filed a lawsuit against Fox Sports, its parent company Fox Corp., and executive Charlie Dixon, alleging that Dixon sexually assaulted her in 2016. The lawsuit, filed on Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims that Dixon, then FS1’s executive producer of content, assaulted her outside his Marina del Rey hotel room after a meeting to discuss an upcoming show.
Allegations of Assault and Retaliation
According to the lawsuit, Stewart-Binks met Dixon at a hotel bar on January 27, 2016, to discuss plans for a show hosted by Jason Whitlock during Super Bowl week. The conversation quickly turned inappropriate, with Dixon allegedly making degrading remarks, including:
- “You’re not funny, interesting, or talented.”
- “You’re not hot enough to be a hot girl on TV.”
Later that night, Dixon invited her to his hotel room balcony for a beer and to see the view. The lawsuit states that after she initially declined, she reluctantly accepted. Once on the balcony, Dixon allegedly pinned her against a wall, held her arms down, and attempted to force his tongue into her mouth.
“Dixon ignored her, continuing to press against her body and lick her closed mouth,” the lawsuit claims.
Stewart-Binks was able to break free and fled the hotel room, calling her mother immediately after. Fearing career consequences, she decided to stay silent at the time.
Career Setback After the Incident
Despite getting the Super Bowl show job, Stewart-Binks learned weeks later that Fox would not renew her contract. She left the network in 2017 but later informed Fox’s Human Resources department about the alleged assault while they were investigating another executive.
The lawsuit claims that Fox took no action against Dixon and instead chose to protect him, allowing him to remain an executive at the network for nearly a decade.
Fox Sports Responds to the Lawsuit
Fox Sports issued a statement acknowledging the allegations but emphasized that they were from over eight years ago:
“At the time, we promptly hired a third-party firm to investigate and addressed the matter based on their findings.”
However, Fox did not disclose the results of this investigation.
Stewart-Binks Seeks Accountability
Stewart-Binks believes that Dixon continued to use his influence to harm her career after she left Fox. While she has since worked for ESPN and other networks, she alleges that Dixon’s connections may have undermined her opportunities.
Her lawsuit demands:
- Unspecified damages
- Immediate measures to prevent future sexual assault and harassment at Fox Sports
- Termination of individuals responsible and those who enabled them, without severance
Connection to Another Fox Sports Lawsuit
Stewart-Binks’ lawsuit comes shortly after hairstylist Noushin Faraji filed a separate lawsuit against Fox Sports, Fox Corp., and Charlie Dixon, among others. Faraji’s lawsuit alleges a toxic workplace environment where executives and talent were allowed to physically and verbally abuse employees.
After learning of Faraji’s case, Stewart-Binks reached out to her to offer support. Faraji reportedly asked her to “tell her story to the world.”
What Happens Next?
This lawsuit adds to the growing list of allegations against Fox Sports regarding workplace misconduct. It raises questions about how media companies handle sexual harassment claims and whether they protect powerful executives over employees.
Stewart-Binks is seeking justice and systemic change at Fox, while Dixon and Fox Sports have yet to respond directly to the specific allegations in the lawsuit.
