'It took the joy out': Joy Taylor hints at leaving sports media for good after FOX exit and lawsuit controversy
After nearly a decade with FOX Sports, veteran broadcaster Joy Taylor is preparing to turn the page. The sports personality, who co-hosted popular shows like Speak, The Herd, and Undisputed, recently opened up about her uncertain future following her high-profile departure from the network in July 2025.
Though FOX cited programming changes for the shake-up, Taylor's exit follows months of turbulence—including a damaging lawsuit and industry backlash.
Joy Taylor reflects on media pressure and public scrutiny
In a candid appearance on The Ringer's Higher Learning podcast, Joy Taylor revealed the emotional toll of being in the spotlight, hinting that she may be stepping away from on-camera roles entirely. 'It took the joy out of it for me,' she admitted. 'I don't know if I'm going to get it back.'
Gendered Problems & Decentering Men With Joy Taylor! Plus, Thoughts on Hulk Hogan | Higher Learning
The statement echoes the growing exhaustion many media figures have voiced about relentless public criticism and scrutiny—especially when legal issues and personal rumors enter the picture. Taylor was named in a lawsuit earlier this year filed by former FOX hairstylist Noushin Faraji, who alleged verbal abuse and claimed Taylor ignored misconduct complaints involving former executive Charlie Dixon. The suit also accused her of inappropriate relationships with Dixon and co-host Emmanuel Acho—allegations Taylor firmly denies.
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Though her legal team called the claims 'unfounded and damaging,' the fallout appears to have shifted Taylor's career perspective dramatically.
Joy Taylor teases a move to content creation and leadership
Taylor now says she's considering a transition to behind-the-scenes work, potentially building her own platform or production company.
'I don't want to be 70 with a mic,' she said. 'I want to build things for other people... not being front-facing allows you the space to still create, but not have this responsibility.'
With a strong digital presence and loyal fan base, Taylor's next move will likely find an audience quickly. Whether she steps away for good or reinvents her career behind the camera, it's clear Joy Taylor is determined to reclaim her voice—on her own terms.
Also Read:
Joy Taylor blasts Donald Trump over Epstein links just days after Fox firing amid sexual misconduct scandal
FAQs
1. Why did Joy Taylor leave FOX Sports?
Joy Taylor's contract was not renewed by FOX following a lawsuit and internal restructuring that canceled several shows she was part of.
2. What was the
lawsuit against Joy Taylor
about?
A former FOX hairstylist accused Taylor of verbal abuse and ignoring sexual misconduct claims, along with alleged inappropriate relationships with FOX executives—claims Taylor has denied.
3. Is Joy Taylor quitting sports media completely?
While not confirmed, Taylor has hinted she may step away from front-facing roles, saying, 'I don't want to be 70 with a mic.'
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