Emmanuel Acho, a prominent FS1 host and former NFL linebacker, appears to be engaging in damage control following the filing of a bombshell lawsuit against Fox Sports by former hairstylist Noushin Faraji. The lawsuit, spanning 42 pages, was filed in Los Angeles last week and includes disturbing allegations of workplace misconduct by multiple network executives and on-air personalities. Among those named in the suit are FS1 hosts Joy Taylor and Skip Bayless, as well as Fox Sports executive vice president Charlie Dixon.
Faraji, who worked at Fox Sports from 2012 through August 2024, alleges a pervasive culture of sexual harassment and abuse of power at the network. The lawsuit claims that Taylor engaged in sexual relationships with both Dixon and Acho to advance her career.
Faraji also accuses Dixon and Bayless of inappropriate sexual behavior, including unwanted advances and harassment directed at her. When Faraji reported her concerns to Taylor, she says Taylor dismissed them, telling her to “get over it.”
Acho’s Social Media Silence Raises Questions
Acho, known for his active presence on social media, was conspicuously absent from platforms on Sunday—the final day of the NFL regular season. Fans quickly noted his unusual silence and speculated that it might be related to the lawsuit.
Adding to the intrigue, Acho reportedly deleted a video in which he had previously praised Taylor at length. In the video, Acho expressed admiration for Taylor and gushed about how fortunate he was to co-host FS1’s Speak alongside her.
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Fans Revisit Old Posts in Light of Lawsuit Allegations
The deleted video and Acho’s sudden withdrawal from social media come at a time when fans are reevaluating his and Taylor’s online interactions in the context of the lawsuit. Several posts and videos that seemed innocuous at the time have been viewed differently in light of Faraji’s claims, raising questions about the professional and personal dynamics behind the scenes at Fox Sports.
A History of Allegations
The lawsuit alleges that Joy Taylor’s relationships with Dixon and Acho helped her secure high-profile roles at the network, including her position as co-host of Speak.
Faraji also claims that Dixon and Bayless subjected her to repeated harassment, which she says created a hostile work environment. According to the suit, Faraji attempted to address these issues through internal channels, but her concerns were either ignored or dismissed, with Taylor allegedly advising her to stay silent to protect her job.
The allegations against Bayless include persistent sexual advances, inappropriate comments, and even an offer of $1.5 million in exchange for sex. Faraji’s claims against Dixon paint a similarly troubling picture, accusing the executive of using his position of power to engage in and cover up inappropriate relationships with female employees, including Taylor.
Acho and Taylor’s Tenure at Fox Sports
Acho joined Fox Sports in 2020 and quickly became one of the network’s most recognizable faces. Taylor, who has been with Fox Sports since 2016, began co-hosting Speak alongside Acho in September 2022. Their on-screen chemistry has been a staple of the show, but the lawsuit casts a shadow over their professional partnership.
The Fallout
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of scandals to hit Fox Sports, raising broader concerns about the network’s workplace culture. While Fox Sports has issued a statement acknowledging the lawsuit and expressing a commitment to taking the allegations seriously, no further comment has been made due to the pending litigation.
Acho’s decision to delete the video and his social media silence suggest an effort to manage the public narrative amid growing scrutiny.
Whether this will mitigate the fallout from the allegations remains to be seen, as the lawsuit continues to generate headlines and fuel conversations about accountability and misconduct within the sports media industry.
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