Take Back Cheer and other lawsuits against Varsity 

UPDATED September 17, 2020

For more than ten years CheerMAD has been the unbiased, independent news source for cheer parents. Created by a cheer mom who spent her weekdays as a reporter for 30+ years, CheerMAD is the voice of cheer parents.

​

We write about what you care about the most: the safety of your child, on and off the mat.

 

Right now, we're covering a lot, real news, that is happening in the cheer world, not just the party line that is put out there. Yesterday's lawsuit against Varsity Spirits is the fourth in as many months. We don't post anything that doesn't adhere to Associated Press protocol of confirmation by three sources.

​

5. Jerry Harris

September 17, 2019

Breaking News: Jerry Harris from Netflix's "Cheer" docuseries has been arrested for producing child pornography.  Cheer Athletics, Varsity and USASF named in suit.

​

Harris admitted to soliciting and receiving explicit messages on Snapchat from at least 10 to 15 other individuals he knew were minors, according to federal court records.

​

If convicted, Harris faces up to 30 years in federal prison. The U.S. attorney's office encouraged others who may be "a victim of sexual exploitation by Jeremiah Harris" to contact the FBI at (312) 421-6700.

​

Read the whole story here:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2020/09/17/jerry-harris-cheer-charged-production-child-pornography/3482276001/

​

Original Story:

September 14, 2020

https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2020/09/14/jerry-harris-cheerleader-netflix-cheer-fbi-investigation-search-warrant-alleged-sexual-misconduct/5741805002/

​

 

4. TAKE BACK CHEER

July 24, 2020

Imagine cheer if you:

•Didn’t have to pay to watch your performance online!

•Didn’t have to pay at the door to watch your child compete after paying a very expensive registration fee!

•Didn’t have to worry about the governing body of cheer being controlled by a big money monopoly that DOES       NOT have your interest at heart!

•Could play current popular music in your routines like other sports. 

•Could actually have a shot of being competitive without having a “Big Gym" name

•Could FINALLY be treated as equals without private “network” agreements for the largest gyms. 

https://www.takebackcheer.com/the-lawsuit?fbclid=IwAR2imDjLetwbOp321WYTYOwg2ToaOjg_s6lBQYBXvj4AaN2wRvL-5aGo3q8

​

 

3. Class Action Alert:

July 21, 2020

All Star Cheerleading Parents and Gym Owners Harmed by Varsity’s Illegal Monopoly.

https://www.labaton.com/press/class-action-all-star-cheerleading-varsity-brands?fbclid=IwAR0yExvyXWMc2LGSKBcERS98lz4MOkq351lIxBmYa9NrA5110vSa648G-eY

​

​

2. Berger Montague: All-Star Cheer Gym Brings Class Action Alleging Varsity Brands Monopolized All-Star Cheerleading Competitions and Apparel

May 26, 2020

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/berger-montague-all-star-cheer-gym-brings-class-action-alleging-varsity-brands-monopolized-all-star-cheerleading-competitions-and-apparel-301065638.html?fbclid=IwAR0yExvyXWMc2LGSKBcERS98lz4MOkq351lIxBmYa9NrA5110vSa648G-eY

​

​

1. Former UC Berkeley cheerleader says coaches ignored concussions in lawsuit

October 2, 2019

Melissa Martin sues university, USA Cheer {Editor's note: USA Cheer is owned by Varsity Spirits and some of the coaches are employed by Varsity}.

• Melissa Martin sues university, USA Cheer and former coaches

• Plaintiff says coaches bullied her into performing despite injury

• Martin suffered three concussions leading to forced withdrawal

​

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/02/cal-cheerleader-concussion-lawsuit-melissa-martin

​