Two of the top cheerleading organizations in the United States are currently under scrutiny for allegedly failing to protect youth from sex offenders affiliated with cheer gyms. An investigation by USA Today found that the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF) and USA Cheer failed to bar 180 people who had been accused of sexual misconduct involving minors from participating in cheerleading activities.

If you experienced sexual abuse by someone affiliated with a cheerleading gym in the last three years, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the cheerleading organizations and/or cheer gym.

Lawsuits Claim Cheerleading Organizations Failed to Protect Youth

Legal claims against cheerleading organizations and cheer gyms are stacking up. Victims allege USASF, USA Cheer, and/or the owners of cheerleading gyms dropped the ball by failing to protect youth cheerleaders from interactions with sexual predators. In some cases, registered sex offenders and individuals who had been accused of sexual misconduct were allegedly not suspended or otherwise prohibited from interacting with cheerleaders.

USA Today points to several instances in which an individual who had been charged with sexual misconduct was allowed to continue working with minors. Some of the charges include attempted possession of child pornography, sexual exploitation of a minor, sexual assault, and solicitation of a minor.

In some cases, the accused individuals were reportedly allowed to continue working with minors even after the cheerleading organizations and/or cheerleading gym owners had been notified about the sexual misconduct charges.

$1M Lawsuit Filed Over Alleged Cheerleading Sexual Abuse

Two 14-year-old twin boys have filed a cheerleading sexual abuse lawsuit against Jerry Harris, a cheerleader featured in the Netflix series “Cheer.” According to the lawsuit, Harris approached the boys at a cheerleading competition when they were 13 years old and he was 19. He allegedly asked them for sex, and threatened them. The lawsuit also alleges that Harris sent the boys sexually explicit messages and photographs of himself via text and private messages on social media, and demanded they send him naked pictures in return (which is child pornography).

The lawsuit also names several organizations that the boys claim received reports of sex abuse perpetrated by Harris.

Harris was arrested in September 2020 and charged with production of child pornography. He later additionally charged with several more counts regarding his conduct with minors.

The twins’ lawsuit states that they are now “limited in their ability to meaningfully interact with others due to the trauma of childhood sexual abuse,” according to The New York Times. They are seeking more than $1 million in damages from USASF, Varsity Spirit, and Cheer Athletics.

“Cheer” recently returned for its second season, this time without Harris. An episode in the new season reportedly focuses on the allegations against Harris.

Cheerleaders who experienced sexual abuse at a cheerleading gym may be eligible to take legal action. The alleged perpetrator is not the only individual who may be vulnerable to a cheerleader sexual abuse lawsuit. Cheerleading organizations and gym owners may also potentially be liable if they failed to take appropriate action to protect youth from sexual abuse.

Cheerleading is one of many sports that have been embroiled in sexual abuse scandals. Other sports organizations involved in child sex abuse litigation include gymnastics, swimming, and more.

Get a Free Case Review

If you experienced sexual abuse by someone affiliated with a cheerleading gym in the last three years, you do not have to deal with the situation on your own. A cheerleading sexual abuse lawsuit will allow you to seek compensation for your medical expenses, counseling, emotional distress, and other damages.

If the cheerleading gym should have known that the perpetrator had a history of sexual misconduct, the gym’s owners and/or governing cheerleading organization may also be on the hook for monetary damages.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially over something as traumatic as sexual abuse, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Submit your information now for a free case review.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.