Former Fox Sports Reporter Julie Stewart-Binks Accuses Top executive of Sexual Assault
In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the sports media industry, former Fox Sports reporter and anchor Julie Stewart-Binks has filed a lawsuit against the network and its top executive, Charlie Dixon, alleging sexual assault and subsequent retaliation.The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, details a harrowing incident that allegedly occurred in 2016 during the buildup to the Super Bowl.
Stewart-Binks claims that Dixon,then the executive vice president of content at Fox Sports,coerced her into his hotel room under the guise of discussing plans for the show “jason whitlock’s House Party By the Bay.” Once ther, she alleges that Dixon berated her, saying she wasn’t “funny, interesting or talented” and that people would only watch if she “got on the bar and took off her top.”
The situation escalated when Dixon invited her to his balcony to see the view. According to the lawsuit, he then pushed her against the wall, pinned her arms, pressed his body against hers, and attempted to force his tongue into her mouth. Stewart-Binks managed to push him away and flee the room.
The lawsuit also reveals that Stewart-Binks was inspired to come forward after a former hairstylist for fox Sports filed a lawsuit earlier this year, alleging that Dixon had groped her and that a former host had made repeated unwanted sexual advances.
Fox spokesperson Andrew Fegyveresi responded to the allegations, stating, “These allegations are from over eight years ago.At the time, we promptly hired a third-party firm to investigate and addressed the matter based on their findings.” Though, Fegyveresi did not elaborate on the investigation’s findings or the actions taken.
Stewart-Binks, who joined Fox Sports 1 in 2013, had a distinguished career covering major events such as the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the U.S. men’s and women’s national soccer teams. She was also the main sideline reporter for the Anaheim Ducks in 2014.
The lawsuit highlights the power dynamics at play,noting that Jamie Horowitz,who became president of Fox Sports in 2015,and Dixon had the authority to decide who appeared on camera for the network.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by women in the sports media industry and the courage it takes to speak out against powerful figures. Stewart-Binks’ decision to come forward adds her voice to a growing chorus of individuals demanding accountability and change.| Key Details | Summary |
|——————|————-|
| Plaintiff | julie Stewart-Binks |
| Defendants | fox Sports,Charlie Dixon |
| Allegations | Sexual assault,retaliation |
| Incident date | 2016,during Super Bowl preparations |
| Legal Action | Lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court |
Stewart-Binks’ story is a stark reminder of the importance of addressing workplace misconduct and ensuring that all employees feel safe and respected. As the case unfolds, it will undoubtedly spark further conversations about accountability and justice in the sports media industry.Former Fox Sports reporter Kristen Stewart-Binks has filed a lawsuit against the network, alleging emotional distress following an incident involving New England Patriots tight end Ron Gronkowski. The lawsuit claims Stewart-Binks was pressured to confront gronkowski about his past as a stripper in college, a situation that escalated when she asked him for a lap dance during a live broadcast.
According to the lawsuit, stewart-Binks initially resisted the idea of asking for Gronkowski’s “Magic Mike” moves but felt compelled to prove she could be fun after comments made by a colleague the night before. The decision, however, led to immediate backlash on social media, with critics accusing her of setting women back.
“Following Fox’s direction, Stewart-Binks remained silent outwardly, though Dixon’s assault and the media’s portrayal of her took a profound emotional toll and left her in tears much of the time,” the lawsuit stated. Stewart-Binks only decided to go public after seeing a similar lawsuit filed by a former Fox hairstylist.
Her lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for emotional distress and calls on fox to take action to prevent future sexual abuse.“Ms. Stewart-Binks hopes that by seeking justice, and by doing so publicly, sports networks will recognise the necessity of ridding those who abuse power and those who protect them,” the lawsuit added.
since leaving Fox Sports, Stewart-Binks has worked with several prominent media outlets, including ESPN, CBS sports, NBC Sports, and TNT. She also served as a correspondent for CBC during its coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Below is a summary of key details from the lawsuit:
| Key Details | Description |
|——————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Incident | Stewart-Binks asked Ron Gronkowski for a lap dance during a live broadcast. |
| Backlash | Faced criticism on social media for allegedly setting women back. |
| Legal Action | Filed a lawsuit seeking damages for emotional distress. |
| Current Work | Works with ESPN, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, TNT, and CBC. |
| Objective | Hopes to prompt sports networks to address abuse of power. |
Stewart-Binks’ case highlights the challenges faced by women in the sports media industry and underscores the need for systemic change. Her decision to speak out publicly aims to hold networks accountable and create a safer habitat for future generations.
Interview with Kristen Stewart-Binks on Her Lawsuit Against Fox Sports
Editor: Kristen, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by sharing what prompted you to file this lawsuit against Fox Sports and Charlie Dixon?
Kristen Stewart-Binks: Thank you for having me. The decision to come forward was not easy, but it was necessary. I was inspired to speak out after seeing another former Fox employee file a lawsuit earlier this year. My experience dates back to 2016 during Super Bowl preparations when Charlie Dixon made inappropriate comments and later assaulted me. This lawsuit is about holding those in power accountable and ensuring that no one else has to endure what I went through.
Editor: The lawsuit mentions an incident where Dixon allegedly pushed you against a wall and attempted to force himself on you. How did that moment impact you emotionally and professionally?
Kristen Stewart-Binks: That incident was terrifying and had a profound impact on me. I felt violated and humiliated. Professionally, it created an environment where I constantly felt unsafe and undervalued. The emotional toll forced me to step away from a career I loved, and it took years to rebuild my confidence and find my voice again.
Editor: You’ve also mentioned feeling pressured into asking Ron Gronkowski for a lap dance during a live broadcast. Can you elaborate on the circumstances surrounding that event?
Kristen Stewart-Binks: That was another example of the toxic culture at Fox. I was pressured into confronting Ron Gronkowski about his past as a stripper and even asked him for a lap dance during a live broadcast. I initially resisted but felt compelled to prove I could be “fun” after disparaging comments from a colleague. The backlash on social media was overwhelming, and it felt like I was being punished for simply following directions.
Editor: Fox Sports has responded to your allegations, stating that they investigated the matter at the time. What is your reaction to their statement?
Kristen Stewart-Binks: Their response feels dismissive and incomplete. While they claim to have investigated, they’ve provided no details about the findings or the actions taken. This lack of clarity is part of the problem. It’s why I’m speaking out now—to push for real accountability and change.
Editor: Since leaving Fox Sports, you’ve worked with several prominent media outlets, including ESPN and CBS Sports. How has your career evolved as then?
Kristen Stewart-Binks: Leaving Fox was a turning point for me. I’ve had the prospect to work with astonishing teams at ESPN, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, TNT, and even the CBC during the 2024 Paris Olympics. These experiences have allowed me to rebuild my career on my own terms and continue doing the work I’m passionate about.
Editor: What do you hope to achieve with this lawsuit,and what message do you want to send to others in the industry?
Kristen stewart-Binks: My goal is simple: to hold Fox Sports and Charlie Dixon accountable for their actions. Beyond that, I hope this lawsuit sparks a larger conversation about workplace safety and the power dynamics that enable abuse. I want other women in the industry to know that their voices matter and that they don’t have to suffer in silence.
Editor: Kristen, thank you for sharing your story with us. Your courage is inspiring, and we wish you all the best as you continue to advocate for change.
Kristen Stewart-Binks: Thank you. I hope this is just the beginning of a much-needed shift in our industry.
Conclusion: Kristen Stewart-Binks’ lawsuit against Fox Sports sheds light on the challenges faced by women in the sports media industry. Her story underscores the importance of addressing workplace misconduct and ensuring that all employees feel safe and respected. As the case unfolds,it will undoubtedly spark further conversations about accountability and justice in the industry.
