The lawsuit alleges that Harris exploited his popularity and fame status with “young male cheer athletes” “at the time”, leading to the distribution of “cheer” documents, during and after. ”
According to the lawsuit, both alleged male victims, who are now 15 years old, 13 when the inappropriate behavior began.
The lawsuit alleges that Harris exchanged messages with a minor of “sexual nature” via social media, including requests for “explicit” photographs and “requests to send sexually explicit photos and videos to the plaintiff,” the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit added that “Harris’ messages were not limited to electronic harassment and abuse. Harris often tried to urge plaintiffs to engage in sexual harassment with these boys in solitary confinement in various competitions.”
A spokesman for Harris told CNN: “We clearly disagree with the allegations made against Jerry Harris, who is alleged to have been a teenager. We are confident that the true facts will come to light when the investigation is completed.”
A Netflix spokesperson declined to comment.
The lawsuit also names the United States All-Star Federation, Varsity Spirit and Cheer Athletics.
The lawsuit alleges that Harris, now 21, was a “coach, trainer, mentor, representative and agent” for the three companies, which failed to “implement reasonable security” to prevent the alleged abuse.
All three companies did not immediately respond to a request from CMN for comment via email.
Introduced in January 2020, “Cheer” follows the cheer team at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. Harris is one of many students whose stories were published and captivated the hearts and minds of viewers.
The series recently won two Emmy Awards and received nominations for the remaining Unstructured Reality Program, which will be announced during the final night of the Virtual Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Saturday.
.
