Fox Sports is currently dealing with a significant workplace misconduct lawsuit filed by former hairstylist Noushin Faraji, who worked with the company from 2012 to 2024. The lawsuit, filed in California, names several prominent figures, including FS1 host Skip Bayless, FS1 executive Charlie Dixon, and host Joy Taylor. Faraji alleges sexual harassment, racially insensitive comments, and inappropriate relationships that led to career advancements within the network.
The 42-page lawsuit claims that Faraji experienced sexual harassment from Skip Bayless, the former FS1 host, and Charlie Dixon, a prominent executive at Fox Sports. Bayless allegedly offered Faraji $1.5 million for a sexual encounter, despite Faraji repeatedly rejecting his advances.
When Faraji raised concerns about Bayless’s behavior with Joy Taylor, she was reportedly dismissed, with Taylor telling her to "get over it."
Joy Taylor's Involvement and Alleged Relationships
Faraji also accuses Joy Taylor, a well-known FS1 host, of creating a hostile work environment. In the lawsuit, Faraji claims that Taylor was involved in physical relationships with Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL linebacker turned analyst, and Charlie Dixon. Faraji suggests these relationships helped Taylor advance her career at Fox Sports.
The lawsuit goes on to reveal an incident in February 2020, when Taylor allegedly asked Faraji to meet for lunch in Beverly Hills. Upon arriving, Faraji found Taylor with Emmanuel Acho, whom she did not know at the time but could tell was romantically involved with Taylor. Later, Faraji noticed Acho working at Fox Sports, and Taylor confirmed that he was a colleague with a desire to help her secure a spot on the show Speak for Yourself.
Warning and Dismissal of Concerns
As the relationship between Taylor and Acho developed, Faraji expressed concerns about Taylor being involved with both Dixon and Acho. Faraji reportedly warned Taylor about the potential consequences of managing relationships with both men, especially since Dixon held significant power within Fox Sports. Faraji cautioned Taylor that Dixon might become angry, but Taylor allegedly dismissed these concerns, explaining that she could later claim Dixon had forced himself on her once his usefulness had expired.
Suspicious Online Activity and Reaction
Neither Joy Taylor nor Emmanuel Acho has publicly addressed the allegations made in the lawsuit. However, fans noticed unusual activity from Acho’s social media accounts, including the deletion of a video from 2022 in which he praised Taylor. In the video, Acho shared his admiration for Taylor's career, saying, “A woman. A Black woman. Daily Show. Sports. Do you realize how hard it is to get to the position that she is in?" He continued, highlighting the challenges women face in sports and expressing appreciation for Taylor's unique perspective as an opinionist.
Despite these public statements, the controversy surrounding the lawsuit has raised significant questions about the workplace culture at Fox Sports and the treatment of women within the industry.
Fox Sports Responds to the Lawsuit
Fox Sports has yet to make an extensive comment on the lawsuit. However, the network did issue a statement to Front Office Sports that reads, “We take these allegations seriously and have no further comment at this time given this pending litigation.”
As this legal battle unfolds, Fox Sports, its talent, and its executives remain under scrutiny regarding their handling of workplace misconduct and relationships within the network.