Julie Stewart-Binks, a former reporter and anchor for Fox Sports, has filed a lawsuit against the network and executive Charlie Dixon, alleging that he sexually assaulted her in 2016. The lawsuit was filed on Friday in Los Angeles, detailing the events that transpired during a meeting intended to discuss Super Bowl plans. Stewart-Binks claims that Dixon coaxed her to his hotel room under false pretenses, where the alleged assault took place.
The lawsuit describes a troubling pattern of behavior from Dixon leading up to the incident. Stewart-Binks was reportedly berated by Dixon the night before their meeting, being told she wasn't "funny, interesting or talented." The lawsuit further alleges that Dixon pressured her to confront New England Patriots tight end Ron Gronkowski about a college incident involving a stripper, creating an uncomfortable work environment.
In addition to the allegations against Dixon, the lawsuit asserts that Stewart-Binks faced retaliation for resisting his advances. She claims that after she reported the incident, she was pushed out of her job at Fox Sports. This claim resonates with broader issues of workplace harassment and the challenges faced by women in the industry.
Stewart-Binks, who moved to Los Angeles in 2013, had a notable career at Fox Sports, where she served as the main sideline reporter for the Anaheim Ducks in 2014 and covered major events, including the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and Stanley Cup playoffs. However, her promising career took an unsettling turn following the alleged assault.
According to the lawsuit, Dixon invited Stewart-Binks to his hotel room to admire the view from his balcony. Once there, he allegedly pushed her against the wall, pinned down her arms, and attempted to force his tongue into her mouth. Stewart-Binks managed to push him away and fled the room, an act of resistance that highlights the terrifying dynamics of sexual assault.
Dixon is also named in a separate complaint filed in January. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for emotional distress and calls for Fox Sports to take steps to prevent any current or future sexual abuse within the organization. The legal action emphasizes the need for accountability and change in a culture that often protects powerful figures at the expense of victims.
In response to these serious allegations, Fox Sports has stated that they investigated the claims and addressed them based on findings from a third-party firm. The network's handling of such accusations is under scrutiny, especially as more women come forward with similar experiences in various industries.
Stewart-Binks's lawsuit includes poignant statements regarding the power dynamics at play within sports networks. It highlights how individuals like Dixon and others in similar positions can dictate who is seen on camera and control narratives in the industry. The lawsuit argues that such power can be abused, with damaging consequences for those who challenge it.
“The two had the power to pick and choose who would be on camera for the networks.”
— Lawsuit
Furthermore, it underscores how women are often objectified in sports media, with suggestions that their worth is tied to their appearance rather than their professional capabilities.
“People would only watch if she got on the bar and took off her top.”
— Lawsuit
The lawsuit also reflects Stewart-Binks's determination to seek justice not only for herself but for others who have faced similar situations.
“Ms Stewart-Binks hopes that by seeking justice, and by doing so publicly, sports networks will recognize the necessity of ridding those who abuse power and those who protect them.”
— Lawsuit
Stewart-Binks has continued her career in sports media after leaving Fox Sports, contributing to several prominent outlets, including ESPN, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, and TNT. Her experiences resonate with many women in media who have encountered harassment and discrimination.