Who Is Skip Bayless Wife? Meet Ernestine Sclafani Amid Lawsuit Allegations

Veteran TV sports personality Skip Bayless is facing serious allegations, with a former Fox News hairstylist filing a lawsuit accusing him of repeated unwanted sexual advances. The lawsuit, filed on January 3, also names other Fox Sports figures and points to a toxic workplace culture. As the story unfolds, many are curious about Bayless’ personal life, including details about his wife, Ernestine Sclafani Bayless. Here’s what we know.

The Allegations Against Skip Bayless

According to NBC News, Noushin Faraji, a former hairstylist at Fox Studios in Los Angeles, has accused Bayless of trying to coerce her into a sexual relationship. The lawsuit claims that he even offered her US$1.5 million for sex after she confided in him about a health scare in 2021.

The broader lawsuit also accuses Fox Sports’ executive vice-president Charlie Dixon and host Joy Taylor of contributing to a toxic and abusive work environment. Faraji says she worked at Fox for over a decade before being fired in 2024.

DO NOT MISS: How much is Molly Ephraim Net Worth in 2025?

Fox Sports responded in a statement:

“We take these allegations seriously and have no further comment at this time given this pending litigation.”

Who is Skip Bayless’ Wife, Ernestine Sclafani Bayless?

Her Background

Ernestine Sclafani Bayless was born and raised in Mastic Beach, near the Hamptons in Long Island, New York. She comes from a mixed background, with a Jewish mother and an Italian father, according to the New York Post.

Her Career

Ernestine has built a successful career in public relations. She currently runs her own firm, Ernestine Sclafani Bayless PR, based in Los Angeles. She’s also a published author, known for her bestselling book:

Balls: How to Keep Your Relationship Alive When You Live with a Sports-Obsessed Guy

Her résumé includes impressive roles:

• Vice-president at Interpublic/Edelman PR, working with major brands like Starbucks and Dove.
• VP in consumer media relations at Weber Shandwick.

How Did They Meet?

Skip and Ernestine met on the set of ESPN’s Cold Pizza, when she was accompanying actor Kevin Dillon as his publicist. Sparks flew, and the two quickly began dating.

Their Marriage

Bayless proposed mid-flight from Newark to Oklahoma City in 2010. After 11 years of dating, the couple married in a private ceremony in July 2016. While it is Ernestine’s first marriage, Bayless had previously been married.

Do They Have Kids?

The couple does not have children, but they are proud pet parents to their dog Hazel, often calling her their “daughter” on social media.

Bayless on His Wife

Skip Bayless has publicly expressed deep affection for Ernestine. In a 2019 interview with the New York Post, he said:

“She’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me… We are not just good together. We are great together.”

Conclusion

As the lawsuit against Skip Bayless develops, all eyes remain on both the legal proceedings and his public image. While Ernestine Sclafani Bayless has not publicly addressed the recent allegations, her long-standing support and presence in his life have been widely noted over the years.