Lawsuit Accuses Former Fox Sports Host of Harassment and Million-Dollar Proposition

A hairstylist who formerly worked with Fox Sports filed a legal complaint alleging that ex-host Skip Bayless persistently pursued her with unwanted advances, including an offer of $1.5 million in exchange for sexual favors.

Noushin Faraji, with over ten years of service as a stylist at the network, is pursuing undisclosed compensation from Bayless, Fox Sports, and its parent firm, Fox Corporation. The lawsuit was lodged in the California Superior Court in Los Angeles last Friday.

The legal document suggests that Fox's executive team perpetuated a work culture rife with intimidation, permitting high-ranking officials and on-screen figures like Bayless to exploit employees without repercussions.

The Associated Press generally refrains from naming individuals who claim to have experienced sexual misconduct unless they have chosen to come forward, as Faraji did by initiating this lawsuit.

Jared Levine, the legal representative for Bayless, has not yet responded to requests for comments from the Associated Press. Attempts to reach Bayless have been unsuccessful.

Fox Sports issued a brief statement acknowledging the gravity of the allegations, opting not to elaborate further due to the lawsuit currently being active.

Details of Allegations Against Bayless

Beginning in 2017, Faraji asserts that Bayless initiated various forms of inappropriate behavior, including prolonged embraces, cheek kisses, and remarks suggesting he could transform her life should she consent to sexual involvement.

The pivotal moment allegedly came in 2021 when Bayless proposed $1.5 million for sexual interaction. Following her refusal, Faraji claims he subsequently jeopardized her employment.

"Ms. Faraji recognized his intention to coerce her into sexual activity, yet she steadfastly emphasized her duty as a professional to treat all on-air talents with politeness," the lawsuit elaborates.

Employment Terminations and Broader Concerns

Bayless remained at Fox Sports until 2024, when his show was discontinued due to declining viewer numbers following co-host Shannon Sharpe's exit.

Faraji claims she was dismissed in 2024 under allegedly false pretenses. She had initially kept quiet about her experiences at Fox out of fears for her personal safety if she spoke up publicly.

The litigation further contends that Fox employees were systematically cheated out of their rightful wages and overtime, calling for a class-action status affecting additional workers similarly impacted.

In a related matter, Fox Sports terminated its head of programming in 2017 following an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment.