Hairstylist Claims Skip Bayless Offered $1.5M for Sex in Fox Sports Lawsuit/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A lawsuit filed in California accuses former Fox Sports host Skip Bayless of sexual harassment, including offering a hairstylist $1.5 million for sex. The plaintiff, Noushin Faraji, alleges a hostile work environment fostered by Fox Sports and its parent company, Fox Corporation.
Key Points
- Allegations: Former Fox Sports host Skip Bayless is accused of making unwanted advances toward hairstylist Noushin Faraji from 2017 to 2024.
- $1.5M Offer: The lawsuit alleges Bayless offered Faraji $1.5 million for sex and later threatened her job after she refused.
- Hostile Workplace: Faraji claims Fox Sports fostered a culture that enabled abuse by senior managers and on-air talent.
- Termination: Faraji alleges she was fired in 2024 for fabricated reasons after staying silent about her treatment.
- Class-Action Claim: The suit also seeks to represent other Fox employees allegedly denied full wages and overtime.
- Fox Sports Response: Fox said it takes the allegations seriously but declined further comment due to pending litigation.
Hairstylist Claims Skip Bayless Offered $1.5M for Sex in Fox Sports Lawsuit
Deep Look
Lawsuit Details
Noushin Faraji, a hairstylist with over a decade of experience at Fox Sports, alleges in her lawsuit that Skip Bayless subjected her to repeated harassment, including:
- Unwanted Physical Contact: Lingering hugs and kisses on the cheek.
- Verbal Advances: Comments suggesting Bayless could “change her life” if she had sex with him.
- Financial Offer: A $1.5 million proposition in 2021, which Faraji rejected.
The complaint claims Bayless retaliated after her refusal by threatening her job.
Hostile Work Environment
Faraji accuses Fox Sports of enabling a workplace culture where abuse by high-profile employees went unchecked. The lawsuit references prior instances, including the 2017 firing of Fox Sports’ head of programming amid sexual harassment allegations.
The lawsuit also alleges systemic wage theft, seeking class-action status on behalf of other employees who were allegedly underpaid or denied overtime.
Plaintiff’s Perspective
Faraji stated in the complaint that she remained silent for years, fearing retaliation and personal harm. She claims her dismissal in 2024 was based on fabricated reasons tied to her resistance to Bayless’ advances.
“Ms. Faraji knew that he was trying to pressure her into having sex with him, but she kept repeating that she was a professional,” the lawsuit reads.
Fox Sports and Bayless Respond
- Fox Sports Statement: The company said it takes the allegations seriously but refrained from further comment due to the ongoing litigation.
- Skip Bayless: The former host’s attorney, Jared Levine, has not commented publicly on the allegations.
Bayless, who left Fox Sports in 2024 after his show was canceled due to declining ratings, has not responded to direct requests for comment.
Broader Context
This lawsuit follows a history of high-profile misconduct allegations at Fox Sports, including the termination of executives in 2017 during a sexual harassment probe. The lawsuit’s claims of systemic wage theft and workplace misconduct suggest broader issues within the company’s operational culture.
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