Jerry Harris, one of the stars of Netflix docuseries Cheer, has been arrested and charged with production of child pornography. The charges come after reports earlier this week that the FBI executed a search warrant on his home in Naperville, Illinois. The investigation stemmed from allegations that Harris solicited sex and nude images from minors. The FBI was alerted to the allegations after Varsity, a large cheerleading company, received a letter informing them of “inappropriate sexual conduct.”
Harris gained notoriety after the critically acclaimed Cheer premiered earlier this year on Netflix. His signature “mat talk” was a viral sensation when videos of him enthusiastically cheering on his squadmates hit the internet. Harris went on to be invited to an event with Oprah Winfrey, where he displayed his mat talk and interview stars on the Oscars red carpet for The Ellen Degeneres Show. His crossover success even led him to appear in a campaign video with Joe Biden.
According to The Wrap, Harris was arrested and charged today in Chicago. He is expected to appear in federal court later this afternoon. According to the criminal complaint obtained by CNN, Harris is accused of “enticing an underage boy to produce sexually explicit videos and photos of himself.” The minor was 13 at the time, the complaint says. Harris’ reps have yet to comment on the arrest, but Monday, they released a statement denying the allegations brought forth in the letter to Varsity:
“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.”
Varsity and Navarro College, the school where Harris cheered, have yet to comment. The investigation stems from the letter Varsity received in early August, after which they proceeded to alert authorities in Texas and Florida of the allegations. Harris’ involvement with Varsity is troubling in light of the allegations. He worked closely with youth cheerleaders, coaching them for the company.
Harris, who is 21, was praised for his role in Cheer. The show depicted him struggling with his skills and learning a complicated routine, despite him not being guaranteed a spot to perform in the national competition. Along with Harris, the larger cast of teammates also experienced growing fame, including fan favorites like Lexi Brumback, coach Monica Aldama, and cheer sensation Gabi Douglas. Harris’ fellow castmates have yet to comment on the allegations.
Harris’ reputation as an uplifting and positive coach and teammate stands in stark contrast to the allegations. Despite maintaining his innocence, there seems to be enough evidence to bring charges forward. The charges come at a time when child exploitation is being discussed heavily in the media, what with Netflix’s controversy surrounding their new original film Cuties, and the troubling rise of the QAnon conspiracy theory. With Harris set to appear in a Chicago court hearing later today, all eyes will be on the matter as this unfolds.
