Deals & Steals on Lara's fabulous finds!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Culture

Jerry Harris of 'Cheer' disputes claim that he solicited sex, photos from minors after report of FBI investigation

VIDEO: 'Cheer' star Jerry Harris denies soliciting sex from minors
3:11
'Cheer' star Jerry Harris denies soliciting sex from minors
ABCNews.com
ByLesley Messer and Jennifer Leong
September 14, 2020, 8:58 pm

"Cheer" star Jerry Harris denied, in a statement from his spokesperson to ABC News, that he solicited sex and sexually explicit photographs from minors.

USA Today reported Monday that the FBI had executed a search warrant at Harris' home in Naperville, Illinois, following allegations made against the Netflix star.

A representative for the FBI would only confirm that the organization was conducting "court-authorized law enforcement activity in the area," and offered no additional comment.

MORE: Dating apps face US inquiry over underage use, sex offenders

Harris -- who became a sensation following the January release of the cheerleading docuseries -- has not been charged with a crime.

PHOTO: Jerry Harris attends an event to discuss "Cheer" in New York, Jan. 29, 2020.
Jerry Harris attends an event to discuss "Cheer" in New York, Jan. 29, 2020.
Jim Spellman/Getty Images, FILE

"We categorically dispute the claims made against Jerry Harris, which are alleged to have occurred when he was a teenager," a spokesperson for Harris told ABC News. "We are confident that when the investigation is completed the true facts will be revealed."

According to USA Today, the chief legal officer for Varsity Brands, a company that supports the cheerleading industry, reported to police in Texas and Florida last month that he had learned of "inappropriate sexual conduct" allegations made against Harris. USA Today reported that in the correspondence with police, the Varsity Brands representative included screenshots of' private social media activity that included the name Jerry Harris and described the 21-year-old as a former employee.

"We can't comment on an active law enforcement investigation; we continue to cooperate with authorities in their inquiries on this matter," a representative for Varsity Brands told ABC News in a statement.

A source close to the situation said the claims made against Harris are not current, and stem from when he was a teenager. The source also told ABC News that no allegations pertain to physical activity, and that the FBI is only investigating Harris' text messages.

Up Next in Culture—

Meet the support systems behind your favorite 'Dancing with the Stars' pros

September 26, 2023

'Disney Princess - The Concert' to return in 2024

September 26, 2023

Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean celebrates 2 years of sobriety: 'Life is grand'

September 26, 2023

'Dancing with the Stars' season 32: Meet the celebrity cast ahead of tonight's premiere

September 26, 2023

Up Next in Culture—

Meet the support systems behind your favorite 'Dancing with the Stars' pros

September 26, 2023

'Disney Princess - The Concert' to return in 2024

September 26, 2023

Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean celebrates 2 years of sobriety: 'Life is grand'

September 26, 2023

'Dancing with the Stars' season 32: Meet the celebrity cast ahead of tonight's premiere

September 26, 2023

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News