Former Fox Sports Reporter Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Top Executive
A former Fox Sports reporter and anchor has filed a lawsuit against the network and top executive Charlie Dixon, alleging he sexually assaulted her after coaxing her up to his hotel room to discuss Super Bowl plans in 2016. She was reportedly later pushed out of her job for fighting back.
The Legal Filing
Julie Stewart-Binks filed her complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court, inspired by a lawsuit filed in January by a former Fox Sports hairstylist. The hairstylist alleged repeated unwanted sexual advances from a former host and groping by Dixon.
Fox Sports’ Response
Andrew Fegyveresi, a spokesperson for Fox, stated that the claims had been addressed in an email. He noted that the allegations were from over eight years ago and that Fox promptly hired a third-party firm to investigate and take action based on the findings. Fegyveresi did not elaborate on what was discovered during the investigation or the specific actions taken.
Stewart-Binks’ Career with Fox Sports
Stewart-Binks covered soccer and hockey in Canada and moved to Los Angeles in 2013 to join Fox Sports 1. She hosted the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and reported on NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the US men’s and women’s national soccer teams. In 2014, she was the main sideline reporter for the Anaheim Ducks.
In May 2015, Jamie Horowitz became president of Fox Sports, and two months later, he hired Dixon as the executive vice president of content. Stewart-Binks alleged that the two had significant control over who was featured on camera across the networks.
The Alleged Incident
In the buildup to the 2016 Super Bowl, plans were underway for Jason Whitlock’s House Party By the Bay, and Stewart-Binks was invited to appear on the program. The night before the meeting with the show’s team, Dixon texted her, asking to meet him at his hotel.
According to the lawsuit, Dixon criticized Stewart-Binks, questioning her talent and saying she was not funny or interesting. He invited her to his hotel room to see the view from his balcony, but once there, he allegedly pushed her against the wall, pinned her arms, pressed his body against hers, and tried to kiss her. Stewart-Binks fought back and fled the room.
Aftermath and Controversy
At the Super Bowl meeting the following day, Stewart-Binks was confirmed to appear on the Whitlock show. However, she was tasked with confronting New England Patriots tight end Ron Gronkowski about his college stint at a stripper club. She initially resisted but, to prove her worth following Dixon’s comments, asked for a lap dance.
This decision led to backlash on social media, with many arguing that Stewart-Binks was setting women back. Stewart-Binks remained silent publicly as per Fox’s direction, while internally struggling with the emotional impact of the assault and the media’s portrayal of her.
Legal Demands and Future Implications
Stewart-Binks decided to go public after seeing the lawsuit filed by the former hairstylist. Her lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for emotional distress and demands that Fox take action to prevent future sexual abuse.
Stewart-Binks hopes that by seeking justice publicly, sports networks will recognize the importance of addressing and eliminating abuse of power and protecting victims.
Stewart-Binks’ 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 in Canada during its coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by Julie Stewart-Binks brings to light serious allegations of sexual assault and wrongful termination within Fox Sports. It highlights the ongoing struggle against sexual abuse in the workplace and the importance of accountability and justice for victims.
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