An old video has resurfaced amid a lawsuit against Joy Taylor, where she discussed the disproportionate effort required to secure her position at FOX Sports.
In the video, a Barry University alum, Taylor, expressed to I Am Athlete that she had to accept every task to prove her worth in the sports industry. “You have to constantly reaffirm that you’re good enough,” Taylor explained. “That you belong there. And always prove it. You’ve got to do twice the work for half the opportunity. I couldn’t say no.”
This insight emerges amidst a chaotic period for Taylor, who faces allegations of bullying and leveraging sexual relationships for influence at FOX Sports. Her stylist, Noushin Faraji, alleges that Taylor, 37, from Pennsylvania, engaged in relationships with colleagues Emmanuel Acho and Charlie Dixon and attempted to connect with Skip Bayless to advance her career.
"I Don’t Know Her That Well” Stephen A. Smith Responds To Joy Taylor And Skip Bayless Sexual Allegations, Says He Doesn’t Want To Get Involved In Thathttps://t.co/tt2M8KYxia pic.twitter.com/DiaP09KF52
— WORLDSTARHIPHOP (@WORLDSTAR) January 7, 2025
As of January 6, Taylor had not responded to these allegations despite inquiries from The Daily Mail. Meanwhile, Acho has removed an online post commending Taylor’s professionalism and has not issued any statements.
Further complicating matters, Faraji accuses Taylor of mocking her accent and English-speaking skills. The stylist also claims in a 42-page document that Bayless offered her $1.5 million for sex, an allegation she denied.
The lawsuit also names Dixon and Fox Corporation, citing sexual battery, negligent supervision, retaliation, and other hostile workplace issues. FOX has stated, “We take these allegations seriously and will allow the legal process to run its course. We have no further comment at this time.”
Big announcement 🗣️🎉 I am joining @JoinPasses! Come follow me! https://t.co/ZA0iWw8LkM pic.twitter.com/yF95JIxrJG
— Joy Taylor (@JoyTaylorTalks) November 29, 2024
We must presume the defendants’ innocence as no court has established their guilt.
Faraji’s lawsuit, however, reveals more severe allegations. She claims that Taylor planned to accuse Dixon of sexual assault once he ceased to be beneficial to her career. According to legal documents filed in Los Angeles, this was part of a calculated strategy when Dixon, who controlled FS1’s content and production, was suspected of having an affair with Taylor around 2016.
Despite Bayless’s opposition, Dixon endorsed Taylor’s promotion to a full-time position. Faraji contends that in 2020, while still involved with Dixon, Taylor initiated a relationship with Acho and revealed a plan to accuse Dixon of sexual misconduct to secure her position at the network.
Reports also indicate that Taylor tried to engage Bayless, who reportedly spurned her advances and maintains a personal dislike for her both on and off the air.