Stephen A. Smith has publicly addressed the allegations against his former First Take co-host, Skip Bayless, stemming from a workplace misconduct lawsuit filed by Noushin Faraji, a former Fox Sports hairstylist. In the lawsuit, Faraji accuses Bayless and others of inappropriate behavior, including an alleged $1.5 million offer for sex.
On Monday’s episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show on YouTube, Smith shared his thoughts on the situation, expressing shock and heartbreak over the accusations against Bayless.
Smith’s Initial Reaction
Smith was quick to clarify that he has no insider knowledge of the allegations but offered a defense based on his personal experiences with Bayless.
“The Skip Bayless I know has a hard time giving away $15,” Smith said, emphasizing Bayless’s frugality. “He’s one of the cheapest people I know. But that doesn’t mean I have any inside knowledge of this—I don’t. And I’m not going to get involved.”
He continued, “Imagining him in this position is shocking to say the least, and all I can tell you is that it’s not the Skip Bayless I know. But obviously, this is a legal matter he’s going to have to deal with because it doesn’t appear to be going away.”
The Lawsuit and Allegations
The 42-page lawsuit, first reported by Front Office Sports, accuses Bayless of making inappropriate sexual advances toward Faraji over several years. Among the most notable claims is that Bayless allegedly offered her $1.5 million for sex in July 2021.
The lawsuit also alleges that Faraji and others who reported workplace misconduct at Fox were retaliated against, while the accused were protected or even promoted.
Faraji is described as meticulous and detail-oriented by those who know her, a characterization Smith noted when discussing the seriousness of the claims.
“The people I’ve spoken to in the last 24 hours that have some knowledge about her say she’s meticulous with her details and that’s how she operates,” Smith said.
RELATED: Joy Taylor Makes Awkward Return to TV Amid Fox Sports Allegations
Smith Reflects on His Relationship with Bayless
Smith spoke at length about his four-year working relationship with Bayless on First Take from 2012 to 2016, emphasizing Bayless’s reserved nature.
“The Skip Bayless I know doesn’t socialize with people,” Smith said. “He’s very regimented and doesn’t expose himself to anybody. He really, really trusts almost no one.”
He added, “If you’ve had a longstanding relationship with someone, it’s not a crime to say the person you know—the person you’ve worked with—doesn’t align with the accusations.”
Balancing Empathy with Objectivity
While Smith expressed support for Bayless, he made it clear that he wasn’t dismissing the seriousness of the allegations or passing judgment.
“I can’t be all over the airwaves being irresponsible and attaching truth or guilt to anything,” Smith said. “I haven’t been in that building for over 20 years. I don’t know any details or what happened.”
Smith admitted that the situation is deeply concerning and emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold.
Bayless Remains Silent
As of now, Skip Bayless has not publicly addressed the allegations. Fox Sports has also refrained from commenting on the case, stating only that they take the allegations seriously.
A Complicated Legal Battle
The lawsuit has sparked discussions about workplace culture and accountability at Fox Sports. Faraji alleges that her complaints and those of others were met with retaliation, while those accused of misconduct faced no repercussions.
For Smith, the situation is both deeply personal and professionally troubling, as it brings his former colleague into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
“I’m heartbroken that he finds himself in this situation,” Smith said. “But this is something he’s going to have to deal with, and time will tell where the truth lies.”
The lawsuit adds another layer of scrutiny to Fox Sports, and the outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for the network and those involved.
