Fox Sports Cancels Speak, Laying Off Co-Host Joy Taylor Amid Controversy
Fox Sports has officially canceled its talk show Speak, resulting in the layoff of co-host Joy Taylor. This decision comes just months after Taylor was named in a sexual battery lawsuit against the network, further complicating an already tumultuous situation.
Cancellations and Ratings Struggles
Speak, which Taylor co-hosted alongside former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson and NBA player Paul Pierce, has been struggling with low ratings since its inception in 2022. The cancellation is part of a broader trend within Fox Sports, as the network has also axed its morning shows, Breakfast Ball and The Facility, due to similarly disappointing viewership. As of now, Fox Sports has not provided any comments regarding the reasons for the cancellations or the layoffs associated with them.
Legal Troubles and Allegations
The context surrounding Taylor’s layoff is particularly sensitive. In January 2023, Noushin Faraji, a former hairstylist for Fox Sports, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the network. The lawsuit alleges that Taylor dismissed Faraji’s claims regarding inappropriate behavior by then-Fox Sports programming executive Charlie Dixon during Taylor’s birthday party in 2017.
Faraji’s lawsuit also indicates that Taylor, who is currently married, may have had an extramarital affair with Dixon—suggesting that this relationship may have helped Taylor secure her role as a moderator on Skip and Shannon: Undisputed. Moreover, Faraji claims that Taylor ridiculed her accent and made fun of her PTSD-related habits.
Joy Taylor’s Response
Taylor has strongly denied the allegations brought against her. In a statement, a spokeswoman for Taylor told The Athletic that the accusations are “devoid of merit” and appear to be “strategically framed to create unwarranted publicity” rather than to pursue legitimate justice. This counter-response hints at a possible contentious legal battle ahead, as both parties prepare to navigate the implications of the lawsuit.
Industry Impact and Reflection
The cancellations come at a time when media networks are facing increasing scrutiny over their programming choices and how they manage talent amidst allegations of misconduct. Fox Sports’ decision to cut shows with lackluster ratings, including Speak, highlights the struggle to balance commercial viability with ethical considerations following serious allegations.
The removal of Joy Taylor—an established figure in sports media—might spark discussions about the long-term impacts of lawsuits and public controversies on individual careers within the industry. As networks aim to foster a more inclusive and respectful work environment, they must also navigate complex public relations challenges regarding their talent.
Conclusion
The cancellation of Speak and the layoff of Joy Taylor are significant events in the sports media landscape, intertwining issues of viewership, ethics, and personal conduct. The unfolding legal disputes will likely continue to draw attention, raising questions about accountability and workplace culture in a field that is already under scrutiny. As the story develops, it will be crucial to monitor how both Fox Sports and Taylor respond to these challenges moving forward.
