Julie Stewart-Binks Reflects on a Career Changed by Alleged Sexual Assault: ‘What Might Have Been?’

Last week, Julie Stewart-Binks found herself in a quiet rooftop lounge in New York City, preparing to watch a clip from her time at Fox Sports. It was a moment she thought about often but never wanted to fully experience again. As she hit play on the video, her body tensed, as if bracing for impact.

The clip featured Stewart-Binks, then 28, on the set of a pop-up show for the 2016 Super Bowl. The atmosphere was casual, resembling a Super Bowl party with drinks and snacks. She, alongside host Jason Whitlock and guest Rob Gronkowski, was discussing Gronkowski’s college days when he revealed he had worked as a stripper. Julie, trying to keep the mood light, joked about wanting to see a “Magic Mike” performance. Gronkowski played along, asking if she’d like a lap dance. To his surprise, she said yes.

What followed was a brief and surprising dance—Gronkowski moved from behind the desk and danced in front of her, even straddling her for a moment. As the cameras rolled, she chuckled and playfully gave him crumpled dollar bills. But watching this clip now filled her with regret. She started to cry, saying, “I will spend my entire life trying to make up for this,” expressing that this moment wasn’t who she truly is.

The backlash from the segment was intense. Critics slammed FS1 as a “circus act,” and Julie bore the brunt of the anger. Many accused her of undermining the progress of women in sports journalism, and some of that criticism came from her own friends and colleagues.

Now, she wants to clarify why she participated in the segment. She believes it’s important to share what led up to that moment. Just days before the show, she alleges she experienced a traumatic incident involving sexual assault by Charlie Dixon, an executive at Fox Sports, during a meeting that was supposed to discuss her role for Super Bowl week.

Stewart-Binks filed a lawsuit against Fox and Dixon, claiming that the network allowed a culture of abuse to persist. She described feeling trapped, caught between the pressure to deliver a viral moment for the network and the fallout from her own traumatic experience. In the days leading up to the stunt, she thought about what would happen if she refused to participate with Dixon watching from the sidelines.

Julie grew up in Toronto, influenced by her mother, a broadcast reporter. She had various interests, from sports to music, but eventually found her passion in journalism. Her journey into sports was tough, covering minor leagues in Canada before she caught the eye of Fox Sports executives and got onboard as they launched FS1.

Despite her dedication and effort, the workplace environment shifted with new leadership. Concerned about her job security, she felt compelled to prove herself by participating in the Gronkowski segment, which she now views as a mistake. The judgment she faced afterward, including from peers she respected, left her reeling.

In her lawsuit, she detailed how Dixon’s treatment during a pre-Super Bowl meeting affected her, claiming he belittled her talent and pressured her into uncomfortable situations. Afterward, she felt exposed and vulnerable, fearing that her career might hang in the balance. When it came time to execute the Gronkowski stunt, Julie felt as though she had no choice if she wanted to keep her job.

The aftermath of the segment was hard to bear. As the backlash grew, so did her anxiety and the sense of betrayal she felt from those she once trusted. Fox promoted the segment initially but quickly backed away when the criticism intensified. Ultimately, not long after the Super Bowl, she was informed that her contract would not be renewed.

In the years that followed, Stewart-Binks took on various roles in sports media but struggled to put the incident behind her. The negative impact on her career lingers, and the feelings of self-doubt still haunt her. In light of recent events, including another lawsuit against Dixon, she felt compelled to speak out about her experiences.

Now, she reflects on what could have been. Despite the challenges, she remains grateful for what she has but can’t help but wonder how her life might have differed if she hadn’t faced those struggles in the industry. Julie’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities women face in sports journalism and the lasting effects of workplace abuse.