Noushin Faraji’s name has become synonymous with one of the most shocking workplace harassment lawsuits in sports media history.
The Los Angeles-based hairstylist made headlines when she filed explosive allegations against Fox Sports personalities Skip Bayless and Joy Taylor, along with executive Charlie Dixon.
Her 42-page lawsuit has sent shockwaves through the sports broadcasting world and resulted in significant consequences for those involved.
The case has raised serious questions about workplace culture at Fox Sports and highlighted the experiences of behind-the-scenes workers in the television industry.
As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, many are asking: who exactly is Noushin Faraji, and what led to these stunning allegations?
Professional Background: From Beverly Hills Salons to Network TV
Noushin Faraji built her career as a skilled hairstylist in Los Angeles, working her way up through some of the city’s most prestigious salons.
She began her professional journey at Juan Juan in Beverly Hills from 2003 to 2006, before moving to the renowned José Eber Hair Salon in 2006.
Her television career took off around 2010 when she was introduced to high-profile entertainment executives Gail Berman, former President of Entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company, and Dana Walden, former CEO of Fox Television Group.
This introduction proved pivotal for her future career trajectory. In 2012, Faraji was recommended to Fox Sports by a makeup artist and initially hired part-time. Her skills and professionalism eventually earned her a full-time position in 2016.
Currently, she works at the luxury Vito Esposito salon in Beverly Hills and holds membership in the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild as a 706 roster union hairstylist.
Fox Sports Career: Styling Television’s Biggest Names
At Fox Sports, Faraji became a key member of the hair and makeup team, working on multiple high-profile shows. Her responsibilities included styling hair for some of the network’s most recognizable faces across various programs:
- Undisputed: Where she styled both Skip Bayless and Joy Taylor
- THE HERD with Colin Cowherd
- Fox Soccer Daily
- Fox Sports Live Update News
- NFL Sunday
In March 2016, Faraji first met Joy Taylor and began styling her hair for “Undisputed.”
She later took on the responsibility of styling Skip Bayless’s hair as well, setting the stage for what would eventually become a contentious working relationship.
Beyond Fox Sports: Film and Commercial Work
Faraji’s expertise extends far beyond television. Her impressive portfolio includes work on major Hollywood productions and commercial campaigns.
She contributed her skills to the Academy Award-winning film “La La Land” and worked on Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You” music video.
Her commercial work spans major brands including L’Oreal, Old Navy, Ford/American Idol, and Orbit Gum.
Her Instagram profile showcases an extensive clientele of famous personalities, including sports presenter Kate Abdo and Australian Olympian Jessica Hull.
The Explosive Lawsuit: Serious Allegations Surface
On January 3, 2025, Faraji filed a comprehensive lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court that would shake Fox Sports to its core.
The defendants named in the suit include Skip Bayless, Joy Taylor, Charlie Dixon, and Fox Corporation itself.
The lawsuit encompasses allegations spanning over a decade, from 2012 to August 2024, painting a picture of what Faraji describes as a “misogynistic, racist, and ableist workplace where executives and talent were allowed to physically and verbally abuse workers with impunity.”
Allegations Against Skip Bayless
The most shocking claims center around Skip Bayless, the veteran sports commentator. According to the lawsuit, Bayless allegedly:
- Made repeated unwanted sexual advances during and after weekly haircuts
- Gave “lingering hugs” that pressed against her body inappropriately
- Kissed her on the cheeks without consent
The lawsuit details a particularly disturbing incident from July 2021, when Faraji had confided in Bayless about undergoing cancer biopsies.
According to court documents, Bayless allegedly “grabbed her hands, began kissing them, and offered her $1.5 million to have sex” during this vulnerable moment.
Claims Against Charlie Dixon
Fox Sports Executive Vice President of Content Charlie Dixon faces his own set of serious allegations.
Faraji claims Dixon made an unwanted pass at her during Joy Taylor’s birthday party at a West Hollywood restaurant in 2017, allegedly grabbing her inappropriately.
The lawsuit also accuses Dixon of exploiting his position of power to coerce women into intimate relationships, creating a hostile work environment for female employees.
Joy Taylor’s Alleged Response
Joy Taylor’s inclusion in the lawsuit centers around her alleged response to Faraji’s complaints about Dixon’s behavior.
According to court documents, when Faraji reported the inappropriate conduct, Taylor allegedly responded by saying “Get over it.”
The lawsuit claims Taylor further warned Faraji that Dixon “could take both away” their jobs, emphasizing that Taylor herself “only had her job because of Mr. Dixon and that Ms. Faraji only had her job because Ms. Taylor requested her.”
Legal Proceedings: Court Rejects Dismissal Attempt
The case took an interesting turn when Faraji attempted to dismiss her own lawsuit, but the Los Angeles Superior Court rejected this request.
The court’s decision was based on the lawsuit’s inclusion of a class-action complaint alleging that Fox engaged in “unfair, unlawful, or fraudulent business practices” by failing to pay minimum wages, reimburse business expenses, and pay severance to employees.
This broader scope means the case extends beyond Faraji’s individual claims to potentially represent other Fox Sports employees who may have experienced similar issues.
Lawyers for both sides went through mediation in March 2025, but were unable to resolve the case at that time. Settlement discussions reportedly remain ongoing, suggesting the parties may be working toward a resolution outside of court.
Widespread Consequences and Denials
The lawsuit has had immediate and significant consequences for all parties named.
All three primary defendants Skip Bayless, Joy Taylor, and Charlie Dixon were terminated from Fox Sports, though attorneys for Taylor and Dixon maintain their clients’ employment ended for reasons unrelated to the lawsuit.
Skip Bayless has vehemently denied all allegations, filing court documents in February 2025 stating he denies “each and every allegation” made by Faraji.
Joy Taylor has also pushed back against her inclusion in the case. Her attorney filed court documents stating that Taylor “welcomes the opportunity to publicly prove that her inclusion in this action is improper.”
Taylor herself addressed the situation on “Hot Mics With Billy Bush” podcast, asserting that the lawsuit “had nothing to do with the changes at FS1.”
A Broader Pattern of Allegations
Faraji’s lawsuit is not an isolated incident at Fox Sports. Charlie Dixon faces additional accusations from former network anchor and reporter Julie Stewart-Binks in a separate lawsuit, suggesting a potential pattern of problematic behavior.
These multiple allegations raise questions about the workplace culture at Fox Sports and whether adequate measures were in place to protect employees from harassment and abuse of power.
The Impact on Sports Media
The Noushin Faraji case represents more than just individual allegations; it has sparked broader conversations about workplace safety and accountability in sports media.
The case highlights the vulnerable position of behind-the-scenes workers in television, who may feel pressure to tolerate inappropriate behavior from high-profile personalities and executives.
The lawsuit’s class-action component suggests systemic issues that may have affected multiple employees, potentially reshaping how major sports networks approach workplace policies and employee protections.
As settlement discussions continue and the legal process unfolds, the Noushin Faraji case serves as a stark reminder that workplace harassment can occur at any level of the entertainment industry.
Her courage in coming forward has already resulted in significant changes at Fox Sports and may inspire other victims to speak out about their experiences.
The ultimate resolution of this case will likely have lasting implications for how sports media companies handle workplace harassment allegations and protect their employees from abuse of power.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by Noushin Faraji has brought critical issues to light, highlighting the importance of accountability and a safe working environment within the sports media industry.
As the case unfolds, it will likely influence future policies and set a precedent for addressing workplace misconduct.
Regardless of the outcome, Faraji’s decision to share her story has sparked a necessary conversation about respect and equity in professional settings, pushing the industry toward meaningful change.
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