USA Today Investigation Finds That Cheer Ban List is Missing 74 Sex Offenders
In September 2020, news broke about sexual abuse and child pornography allegations against Jerry Harris, star of the Netflix docuseries, Cheer. While Harris may now be awaiting trial behind bars without bail, this has exposed an even greater truth: there is a culture of sexual abuse hiding within the cheer community.
Think abuse in USA Gymnastics. Larry Nassar’s horrendous abuse of numerous gymnasts helped to bring attention to the wider issue of hidden, systemic abuse within the sport.
Now, between the allegations about Harris and the USA Today investigation, the world of cheer now stands accused of many of the same things: moving coaches and others around after being accused of abuse and not banning known sex offenders from the sport because winning is more important than protecting young women.
By not removing known offenders from the sport, USA Cheer, NCA and the US All-Star Federation have put thousands of young women in harm’s way. It’s time to hold them accountable for perpetuating a culture of abuse within their ranks.
In the past, these survivors were often not believed or were too afraid to step forward, and nothing was done to help them. But not anymore. A Case for Women is helping survivors step forward, speak their truths and hold USA Cheer, NCA and the U.S. All-Star Federation accountable. Even if it has been decades since you were hurt, you may well have powerful legal options at your disposal – and at no upfront cost to you.
Ready to speak your truth? We’re listening.
