Jerry Harris: Cheerleader Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Former cheerleader Jerry Harris has been arrested in Chicago and charged with the production of child pornography in federal court. A cast member on the Netflix documentary “Cheer”, Mr. Harris has been accused of soliciting child pornography from as many as 15 minors. He also admitted to sexually abusing a 15-year-old at a 2019 cheerleading event.
Manly, Stewart & Finaldi has already filed suit on behalf of other victims and can help anyone who has been affected. If you or your loved one were impacted by the actions and behaviors of Jerry Harris, US All-Star Federation cheerleading coach, choreographer, gym owner or gym employee please contact our firm today to discuss your case, protect your loved one’s identity and fight for justice.
Why Should I Speak with an Attorney?
Mr. Harris and any party or entity that enabled his actions should be held accountable. While Jerry Harris has been arrested, we believe that criminal charges are not enough. The same is true of any cheerleading coach gym owner or gym employee who molests, harasses or seeks sexual contact with a minor.
Survivors of sexual abuse often face difficult emotional and psychological challenges on the road to recovery. A civil suit against an abuser can secure compensation to cover the costs of therapy, a negative impact on the victim’s life or future, and even help create closure for both the victim and their families. If institutional abuse is uncovered, a civil suit is often the only way to fix the organizational flaws that led to the abuse.
Why Choose Manly, Stewart & Finaldi?
At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, our attorneys have been helping survivors of sexual abuse and trauma and their families for decades.
- We believe in fighting for justice for survivors of sexual abuse – it’s all we do.
- We are not afraid to take on large institutions or corporations on behalf of our clients.
- We have proven results. We have secured more than $2 billion in compensation for our clients.
- We understand how difficult coming forward about sexual abuse can be. We are sympathetic, compassionate, and can handle your claim with complete anonymity.
Sexual Abuse In Competitive Cheerleading is Rampant
Jerry Harris is a successful and prominent figure within the cheerleading community. His affiliation with the Netflix show “Cheer”, the U.S. All-Star Federation (a network of dance and cheerleading teams), Varsity Spirit, and the Cheer Athletics Gym gave him significant influence over and access to children.
He used this status and fame to groom and solicit pornographic images and videos of boys as young as 13 over Snapchat. He eventually solicited oral sex from one of the boys at a cheer competition and has since admitted to abuse of other minors.
He is not the only one. A shocking investigative report in USA TODAY found that nearly 180 individuals affiliated with competitive cheerleading throughout the country have faced charges relating to sexual misconduct with minors but were not banned by the U.S. All-Star Federation . This group included convicted sex offenders and felons who were allowed to continue coaching children.
We Can Help You Seek Justice Today
If your child is involved in competitive cheerleading at gym or in competitions sponsored by the US All-Star Federation or USA Cheer and had any inappropriate contact by phone, text, social media or in person with coach gym owner or gym employee please contact law enforcement and contact us.
If you or your child were contacted by Jerry Harris or were mentored or coached by him and feel that there may have been inappropriate communication, please contact Manly, Stewart & Finaldi today. Your consultation will be free of charge and completely confidential. We are here to help.