Star Of Netflix’s ‘Cheer’ Accused Of Encouraging Minor To Produce Sexually Explicit Material

The lawsuit alleges that Harris “exploited his popularity and position of fame with young male cheer athletes” in the time “leading up to, during, and following the distribution of the ‘Cheer’ docuseries.”

The two alleged male victims, now 14, were 13 when the inappropriate behavior began, according to the claim.

Among the allegations are that Harris exchanged messages with the minors that were “sexual in nature” via social media, including requests for “explicit” photographs and sending “sexually explicit photos and videos of himself to Plaintiffs,” the lawsuit said.

Hours later, CNN filed a new report that Harris has been arrested and charged with “enticing an underage boy to produce sexually explicit videos and photos of himself,” according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The minor involved in the complaint was reportedly 13 at the time. An attorney for Harris said he will seek his client’s release due to the 21-year-old being asthmatic and at risk for Covid-19. A spokesperson for Harris told CNN at the time, “We categorically dispute the claims made against Jerry Harris, which are alleged to have occurred when he was a teenager. We are confident that when the investigation is completed the true facts will be revealed.” According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, the production of child pornography is punishable by a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.