A recent filing in the surprising FS1 workplace misconduct lawsuit, which involves top Fox executives and talent, has prompted the network to take an aggressive stance. In a document submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, Fox presented several reasons arguing for the dismissal of the lawsuit filed by former FS1 hairstylist, Noushin Faraji.
Faraji’s original complaint alleges multiple incidents of sexual misconduct involving former FS1 host Skip Bayless and current Fox Sports executive Charlie Dixon, who was recently placed on administrative leave due to another sexual misconduct lawsuit from former FS1 host Julie Stewart-Binks. Current FS1 host Joy Taylor is also named as a defendant in Faraji’s suit.
Among the key arguments for dismissal, Fox asserts that the network “exercised reasonable care to prevent and to correct any unlawful harassing and/or retaliatory workplace conduct” and claims that “[Faraji] unreasonably failed to take advantage of any preventative or corrective opportunities provided by [Fox].” Furthermore, Faraji’s lawsuit includes claims that she had sought help from Fox’s Human Resources department, including an instance where she expressed fearing for her life, only to be advised to “just leave the workplace” during a concerning episode with an unnamed coworker.
Additionally, Fox cites the “doctrine of unclean hands” as a basis for dismissal, a legal principle that bars a party from seeking relief if they have also engaged in unethical behavior related to the case. It is highlighted in the original suit that Faraji maintained a personal relationship with Joy Taylor. Should the court find Fox legally liable, the network argues that “the conduct was not unlawful” as it stemmed from legitimate business reasons and non-retaliatory factors.
In total, Fox details 46 reasons for the case’s dismissal, many of which pertain to California labor laws that address less contentious claims made by Faraji regarding overtime compensation or meal period allowances. Meanwhile, Fox Sports is gearing up to broadcast Super Bowl LIX this Sunday from New Orleans and undoubtedly wishes these legal issues were not overshadowing a celebratory week. On Thursday, Fox is scheduled to host the typical pre-Super Bowl press conference featuring executives from the network airing the game, raising the question of whether they will tackle the lawsuit directly or sidestep inquiries about the ongoing litigation.
