Julie Stewart-Binks Files Suit Against Fox Sports and Charlie Dixon for Sexual Assault

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A former Fox Sports reporter and anchor, Julie Stewart-Binks, has filed a lawsuit against the network and its top executive, Charlie Dixon, for sexual assault. According to the lawsuit, Stewart-Binks was invited by Dixon to his hotel room in the lead-up to the 2016 Super Bowl, where she alleges he sexually assaulted her. Stewart-Binks claims she was later pushed out of her job for standing up to him.

Background and Career

Stewart-Binks, who grew up in Toronto, covered soccer and hockey in Canada. She moved to Los Angeles in 2013 to join Fox Sports 1 and quickly gained recognition for her work, including her role in covering the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics as a host. She went on to report on the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, the Stanley Cup playoffs, and both the U.S. men’s and women’s national soccer teams. She was also the main sideline reporter for the Anaheim Ducks in the fall of 2014.

The Allegation of Sexual Assault

In the buildup to the 2016 Super Bowl, plans were underway for the show “Jason Whitlock’s House Party By the Bay.” The night before the meeting, Stewart-Binks received a text from Dixon inviting her to his hotel for a meeting. According to the lawsuit, Dixon began berating Stewart-Binks, questioning her capabilities and demeaning her talent in front of her peers.

Once they arrived at his hotel, Dixon invited Stewart-Binks to his balcony to discuss the show. However, he reportedly sexually assaulted her on the balcony, pushing her against the wall and attempting to force his tongue into her mouth. Stewart-Binks fought back and ran from the room.

Backlash and Career Fallout

Stewart-Binks was initially told she would be part of the Whitlock show but was later given a challenging task by Dixon—confronting New England Patriots tight end Ron Gronkowski about his past. She reluctantly complied, believing she needed to prove herself, particularly after Dixon’s insulting comments.

Following the incident, Stewart-Binks faced backlash on social media for her actions. According to the lawsuit, she remained silent, explaining that she felt compelled to follow Fox Sports’ direction. Dixon’s assault and the subsequent media scrutiny took a profound emotional toll on her.

Jamie Horowitz and Charlie Dixon: Power and Influence

Jamie Horowitz became president of Fox Sports in May 2015 and hired Dixon as the executive vice president of content two months later. The two held significant power in selecting who would appear on camera for Fox Sports shows. Stewart-Binks alleges that Dixon’s behavior and the subsequent fallout led to her losing opportunities and eventually being pushed out of her job.

The Legal Battle

In her lawsuit, Stewart-Binks is seeking unspecified damages for emotional distress and is calling for Fox Sports to take action to prevent any current or future sexual abuse. The complaint was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Stewart-Binks’ decision to come forward came after seeing another lawsuit filed by a former Fox hairstylist who alleged similar sexual harassment by a Fox host and Dixon.

Fox Sports’ Response

Andrew Fegyveresi, a spokesperson for Fox, stated in a statement that the allegations were addressed by the company in 2016, after which a third-party firm investigated the claims. The findings from this investigation were not publicly disclosed.

Fegyveresi did not provide further details about the outcomes of the investigation or the specific actions taken by Fox in response to the allegations.

Post-Fox Career

Since leaving Fox Sports, Stewart-Binks has worked for various media outlets, including ESPN, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, and TNT. She also served as a correspondent for the CBC during its coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics, further demonstrating her resilience and continued career in sports media.

Impact and Advocacy

Stewart-Binks hopes that her lawsuit will encourage sports networks to recognize and address power imbalances and harassment within their organizations. By seeking justice publicly, she aims to protect other women from similar experiences and advocate for a safer environment in sports media.

Conclusion

The lawsuit filed by Julie Stewart-Binks against Fox Sports and Charlie Dixon highlights the enduring impact of sexual harassment in the workplace, particularly in industries where power dynamics can skew opportunities for women. As Stewart-Binks works to seek justice, her case underscores the importance of holding executives accountable and addressing instances of sexual misconduct.