Shannon Sharpe has categorically denied any connection to the explosive allegations detailed in a lawsuit filed by former Fox Sports hairstylist Noushin Faraji. The 42-page lawsuit accuses Sharpe’s former Undisputed co-host, Skip Bayless, and others at Fox Sports of inappropriate behavior, but Sharpe himself is not accused of any wrongdoing.
During an episode of the Nightcap podcast he co-hosts with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Sharpe addressed speculation after a fan asked him to comment on the “elephant in the room.” The lawsuit, which was first reported by Front Office Sports, was trending on social media at the time.
Sharpe Responds to Fan Inquiry
“That ain’t got nothing to do with me,” Sharpe said. “It doesn’t. What do y’all want me to say? That ain’t got nothing to do with me. So, there’s nothing to address. I don’t know why everybody keeps—if you notice, everybody’s posting it, they got me.”
Sharpe expressed frustration with being dragged into the conversation despite not being implicated in the lawsuit. “In those 42 pages, it doesn’t mention that Shannon Sharpe did anything. But y’all want to get clicks, so y’all mention me,” he added.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit paints a troubling picture of Faraji’s experience during her time at Fox Sports, where she alleges she endured years of harassment, inappropriate behavior, and retaliation. While Sharpe is not accused of misconduct, his name appears in the lawsuit because of Bayless’s alleged comments.
Faraji claims that in April 2022, Bayless angrily accused her of having a romantic relationship with Sharpe. According to the filing, Bayless confronted Faraji in his dressing room, demanding to know about her alleged interactions with Sharpe. Faraji denied the accusations, explaining she had no romantic feelings for Sharpe and had never been involved with him or any other Fox Sports talent.
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Allegations Against Skip Bayless
The lawsuit details Bayless’s behavior toward Faraji, including inappropriate remarks and advances. In one instance, Bayless allegedly accused Faraji of discussing intimate details about her personal life with Sharpe, a claim Faraji denied. The lawsuit also alleges that Bayless later apologized for his accusations but continued to make inappropriate comments and advances toward her.
Faraji alleges that Bayless told her in December 2023 that Fox Sports Executive Charlie Dixon had misinformed him about her alleged relationship with Sharpe. Bayless reportedly apologized but then again tried to initiate an inappropriate relationship with Faraji, the lawsuit claims.
Sharpe’s Departure from Fox Sports
Sharpe and Bayless co-hosted Undisputed on FS1 from 2016 until June 2023. Their on-air chemistry often appeared strained, culminating in multiple public disagreements. Sharpe ultimately left the show following a buyout agreement with Fox Sports and joined ESPN’s First Take in September 2023, where he reunited with Stephen A. Smith.
Faraji’s lawsuit highlights broader allegations of a toxic workplace culture at Fox Sports, including claims of racism, sexism, and retaliation against employees who reported misconduct.
Sharpe Focuses on Moving Forward
Sharpe’s comments on the podcast suggest he is eager to distance himself from the controversy surrounding his former employer. While the lawsuit has drawn attention to troubling allegations, Sharpe reiterated that his only involvement was being mentioned in the context of Bayless’s alleged behavior.
Sharpe, however, is currently facing his own legal challenges as he is being sued by Michele Evans in a separate case involving allegations of gender-motivated violence and other tortious conduct. This lawsuit is entirely independent of the Fox Sports case.
What’s Next for the Lawsuit?
Faraji’s claims have sparked widespread conversation about workplace culture at Fox Sports. She alleges that Bayless offered her $1.5 million in exchange for sex and that she endured years of unwelcome physical and verbal advances. The lawsuit also accuses Fox Sports of retaliating against employees who reported misconduct, while promoting individuals accused of wrongdoing.
As the lawsuit moves forward, it remains to be seen how Fox Sports, Bayless, and the other named defendants will respond to the allegations. For Sharpe, his focus appears to be on his new role at ESPN and distancing himself from the drama of his former workplace.
