A Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit alleges that former Fox Sports hairstylist Noushin Faraji experienced repeated unwanted sexual advances from former host Skip Bayless, including a $1.5 million offer for sex.
Faraji’s legal team is pursuing unspecified damages against Bayless, Fox Sports, and Fox Corporation. The suit, filed Friday, claims Fox fostered a hostile work environment enabling such behavior by senior staff and on-air talent.
The complaint alleges that Fox executives allowed Bayless and others to exploit employees without consequence.
The Associated Press follows its standard practice of not identifying individuals alleging sexual assault or abuse unless they have self-identified publicly, as Faraji has done.
Bayless’s attorney, Jared Levine, has not yet responded to requests for comment. Attempts to reach Bayless directly through his talent agency have been unsuccessful.
Fox Sports acknowledged the allegations in a statement, stating they are being taken seriously, but declined further comment due to the ongoing litigation.
Faraji alleges that Bayless’s advances, starting in 2017 and lasting until last year, involved inappropriate touching, kissing, and comments suggesting he could significantly improve her life if she had sex with him.
The lawsuit claims that in 2021, Bayless offered Faraji $1.5 million for sex, and subsequently threatened her job after she refused.
The lawsuit states that Faraji, while aware of Bayless’s intentions, maintained a professional demeanor.
Bayless’s employment with Fox Sports ended in 2024 following the cancellation of his show, a decision attributed to declining ratings after the departure of his co-host, Shannon Sharpe.
Faraji claims her 2024 dismissal was based on false pretenses. The lawsuit notes that she initially remained silent due to fears of retaliation.
The lawsuit also alleges underpayment and unpaid overtime, seeking class-action status on behalf of other potentially affected workers. It is worth noting that Fox Sports fired its head of programming in 2017 amidst a sexual harassment investigation.