A veteran hairstylist working for Fox Sports has taken legal action against the company, claiming they terminated her employment following repeated complaints about inappropriate behavior within the workplace, and after she consistently declined unwanted sexual advances from the show’s host, Skip Bayless.

In the lawsuit, Noushin Faraji claims that she turned down Bayless’ proposal of $1.5 million in exchange for sexual favors. Subsequently, he allegedly became enraged and accused her of being intimate with his professional rival and co-host, Shannon Sharpe. However, Faraji denies these accusations, as stated in the suit.

According to the lawsuit, Mr. Bayless cautioned that she should not risk losing her employment because of this situation,” or more casually, “As per the lawsuit, Mr. Bayless advised her not to jeopardize her job due to this incident.

Moreover, Faraji claims that the HR department at Fox is said to have shielded influential harassers. In her lawsuit, she mentions a few other defendants such as Charlie Dixon, who held the position of executive vice president for content, and Joy Taylor, who was the host on Bayless and Sharpe’s debate program titled “Undisputed.

The lawsuit claims that Taylor was given a job due to her relationship with Dixon. Additionally, Faraji claims that Dixon inappropriately touched her during an office birthday celebration. When she voiced this concern to Taylor, Taylor advised her to disregard it and reminded her that both women owed their positions to Dixon, and they could potentially lose them if they caused issues, according to the lawsuit.

In reaction to the lawsuit, a representative from Fox stated, “We give these accusations our full attention and cannot provide any additional comments right now due to the ongoing legal proceedings.

The lawsuit claims that Bayless repeatedly made unwanted advances towards Faraji over a long period. He would often kiss her on the cheek and hug her tightly for a prolonged time, with his body pressed against hers. Later, the lawsuit states, he became more forceful and direct in his actions, but she refused his advances, stating that she did not engage in dating at the workplace.

In July 2021, his progress peaked when he proposed a sum of $1.5 million for her to spend the night with him, according to the lawsuit. However, she found a reason to depart. A week later, he attempted again, and she responded, “Skip, stop, you’re married,” as stated in the lawsuit.

Approximately a year after the event, as stated in the lawsuit, Faraji is said to have secretly recorded a discussion with Bayless. During this conversation, it’s claimed that he implied she had been involved romantically with Sharpe, stating something along the lines of, “I wouldn’t want you to lose your job, but it’s hard to believe you’re not up to something significant with my main competitor.

According to the lawsuit, he is reported to have expressed, “For the past six years, I’ve had deep affection for you, but you’ve caused me pain, and now it seems like you’re destroying our relationship.

A year later, Bayless told her that Dixon wanted to fire her, but that he had protected her job.

As a film enthusiast and critic, I find myself compelled to share my thoughts on a recent revelation that resonates beyond the silver screen. Faraji, an Iranian colleague in the industry, has bravely spoken out about her experiences of racial and ethnic discrimination during her tenure at Fox. This allegation serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater diversity and inclusivity within our entertainment community.

Last summer, Skip Bayless parted ways with Fox Sports, concluding an eight-year tenure there. Prior to that, he had spent numerous years at ESPN. Currently, he is the host of a weekly podcast titled “The Skip Bayless Show.

The lawsuit claims that Faraji was let go due to false pretenses following the cancellation of “Undisputed.” According to the legal documents, her workload decreased and eventually she was fired, with the network stating they only required a single hairstylist for their three programs.

In the legal documents, it’s stated that when Ms. Faraji and others spoke up about the misconduct, instead of addressing their complaints, Fox responded by targeting them. Meanwhile, those responsible for the wrongdoings, along with their protectors, were mysteriously advanced in their positions. This case serves as another example highlighting the harmful culture at Fox.

The lawsuit alleges that Bayless and Dixon are responsible for sexual battery and sexual misconduct, while it additionally charges Fox with harassment, retribution, and unjust dismissal, among other offenses.

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2025-01-06 04:16