A former reporter and anchor for Fox Sports has initiated legal proceedings against the network and its executive Charlie Dixon, alleging that he sexually assaulted her after luring her to his hotel room under the guise of discussing Super Bowl preparations back in 2016. Julie Stewart-Binks claims that her career suffered significantly as a result of her decision to stand up against him.
Stewart-Binks’ lawsuit, submitted to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, cites her motivation to come forward stemming from a recent lawsuit filed by a former Fox hairstylist, which accused a former host of sexual advances and also included allegations against Dixon. In response to the allegations, Fox’s spokesperson Andrew Fegyveresi stated that these matters were previously investigated by a third-party firm and addressed according to their findings, though he refrained from elaborating on those outcomes.
Typically, the media refrains from naming survivors of sexual assault unless they have consented to do so, and Stewart-Binks’ legal representatives confirmed she has permitted her name to be used in the press.
Stewart-Binks, who has a background in covering soccer and hockey in Canada, transitioned to Fox Sports 1 in 2013. Her notable appearances included hosting during the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014, alongside providing coverage for the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and various U.S. national soccer teams. By the fall of 2014, she had become the lead sideline reporter for the Anaheim Ducks.
When Jamie Horowitz took over as president of Fox Sports in May 2015, he hired Charlie Dixon shortly thereafter as the executive vice president of content. Their roles reportedly gave them significant influence over who would appear on-air for the network, according to the lawsuit.
As the 2016 Super Bowl approached, preparations were being made for a show titled “Jason Whitlock’s House Party By the Bay.” Stewart-Binks was informed she would be featured on this show, but the night before her meeting with the production team, she received a message from Dixon requesting a meeting at his hotel.
Upon meeting, she claims Dixon criticized her capabilities, suggesting she was not suitable for a Super Bowl appearance and dismissively remarked that only provocative actions would garner audience interest. After a tense exchange, where Dixon invited her onto his balcony, he allegedly attempted to force himself on her, leading Stewart-Binks to break free and leave his room.
The next day, during a Super Bowl production meeting, she was confirmed to join the Whitlock show, yet found herself pressured to confront New England Patriots player Ron Gronkowski about a controversial past experience. In hopes of showcasing her fun side, Stewart-Binks reportedly asked for a lap dance, which resulted in immediate backlash from viewers on social media, criticizing her actions as detrimental to women’s representation in sports.
The lawsuit claims that despite following Fox’s directive to remain outwardly silent about her experience, the ordeal took a serious emotional toll on Stewart-Binks, leading to distress and tears. She decided to speak out only after learning about the lawsuit from the former hairstylist. Stewart-Binks is now seeking unspecified damages for her emotional distress and aims to compel Fox to take proactive measures against sexual harassment and abuse.
In her lawsuit, Stewart-Binks expressed a desire to shed light on the need for accountability in sports networks, stating that by publicly seeking justice, she hopes it will lead to actions against those who misuse their power.
Since departing from Fox Sports, she has contributed to a variety of media outlets including ESPN, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, and TNT, and served as a correspondent for CBC during its coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
