The lawsuit alleges years of inappropriate behavior.
Highlights
- Skip Bayless is accused of offering $1.5 million to Noushin Faraji for sexual favors during his tenure at Fox Sports.
- The lawsuit alleges that Bayless engaged in inappropriate behavior starting in 2017, including unsolicited physical contact and persistent advances.
- Faraji claims she faced job-related threats and was eventually dismissed from Fox Sports in 2024 for fabricated reasons.
Skip Bayless, a prominent American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality known for his provocative opinions, has recently been named in a lawsuit alleging serious misconduct during his tenure at Fox Sports.
The lawsuit, filed by former Fox Sports hairstylist Noushin Faraji, accuses Bayless of offering $1.5 million in exchange for sexual favors, among other inappropriate behaviors.
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: A former Fox Sports hairstylist is suing Skip Bayless and Fox for sexual harassment, per @FOS
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 5, 2025
She alleges that Skip Bayless offered her $1.5 million "to have sex with him." pic.twitter.com/4ezqfWcFvR
Bayless Joined Fox Sports In 2016
Skip Bayless has built a career as a sports journalist and television personality, recognized for his outspoken and often controversial commentary.
He gained prominence through appearances on ESPN’s “First Take” alongside Stephen A. Smith, where their heated debates attracted a substantial audience.
In 2016, Bayless transitioned to Fox Sports 1, co-hosting “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed” with Shannon Sharpe.
His unwavering support marked his tenure at Fox Sports for athletes like Tom Brady and criticism of others, including LeBron James and Aaron Rodgers.
Bayless departed from Fox Sports in August 2024, and recently, in light of the lawsuit, he has announced his retirement from sports broadcasting altogether.
BREAKING: Skip Bayless has announced his retirement from sports commentating.
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) January 5, 2025
😳 pic.twitter.com/P6qs4weAwk
Noushin Was A Hairstylist At Fox Sports Since 2012
Noushin Faraji worked as a hairstylist at Fox Sports from 2012 until her termination in 2024.
Throughout her tenure, she was responsible for the hairstyling needs of on-air talent, including Bayless.
Faraji’s role placed her near network personalities, a factor central to the allegations outlined in her lawsuit.
The Lawsuit Alleges A Pattern Of Inappropriate Behavior Since 2017
Filed in California Superior Court in Los Angeles, Faraji’s lawsuit alleges that Bayless engaged in inappropriate behavior in 2017.
The accusations include unsolicited physical contact, such as lingering hugs and kisses on the cheek and persistent advances despite her clear refusals.
The most egregious claim involves an alleged offer of $1.5 million from Bayless to Faraji in exchange for sexual favors, purportedly made in 2021 after he became aware of her personal health challenges.
Faraji asserts that upon rejecting this proposition, Bayless’s advances became more aggressive, including unfounded accusations of an affair with his co-host, Shannon Sharpe.
The lawsuit also contends that Faraji faced job-related threats following her refusals, culminating in her dismissal from Fox Sports in 2024 for what she describes as fabricated reasons.
Fox Sports Has Issued A Statement
In response to the lawsuit, Fox Sports issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations but refrained from further comment, citing the pending litigation.
The network emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.
A spokesperson for the network quoted,
We take these allegations seriously and have no further comment at this time given this pending litigation.
Variety
Former Hairstylist Noushin Faraji's #FoxSports Lawsuit is going to rock the network so bad, it will make the Dominion Lawsuit look like a cake walk! Joy Taylor can't beat these allegations cause this woman kept receipts. Skip Bayless will get cleaned out in any divorce. #smh https://t.co/iMRf2ciruL pic.twitter.com/W8GwsQ4MUQ
— Kevin Father of Babi™ (@RealKevinNoel) January 6, 2025
The allegations against Bayless have sparked significant public discourse, given his high-profile status in sports media.
Advocacy groups and industry observers have called for thorough investigations into the claims, underscoring the importance of addressing workplace harassment in all its forms.
As the legal process unfolds, the case is expected to prompt broader discussions about power dynamics and employee treatment within the sports broadcasting industry.
Additional Information
- Skip Bayless was born John Edward Bayless II, but his parents began calling him “Skip” at an early age. He eventually had his name legally changed to Skip.
- The lawsuit also claims that Taylor had romantic relationships with Fox Sports executive Charles Dixon and analyst Emmanuel Acho to secure job opportunities.
- Additionally, the lawsuit states that when Noushin Faraji reported Dixon’s inappropriate behavior to Taylor, she dismissed Faraji’s concerns and reminded her that both women owed their jobs to Dixon.
