Jerry Harris from ‘Cheer’ accused of soliciting sex from minors

Jerry Harris, the breakout star from Netflix’s reality show Cheer who has inspired millions with his mat talk and positive attitude, is under criminal investigation with the FBI following allegations that he solicited sex from minors.According to a report from USA Today, agents executed a search warrant on Monday afternoon at a home in Illinois in conjunction with the investigation, although at time of press Harris had not been formally named by the FBI. The investigation was sparked by allegations from twin 14-year-old boys, who spoke out about online and in-person harassment that started when they were 13 years old and Harris was 19 (he is now 21). According to them, the interactions lasted more than a year.In the article the brothers, Charlie and Sam (last name withheld), and their mother Kristen, talk about various instances in which Harris reportedly asked for nude photos or videos, or made sexual suggestions while at a cheer meet. According to Kristen, she first became aware of the alleged abuse when she came across some of the content on one of her son’s phones, and she made him delete it all.The mother regretted that decision later when she realized both of her sons had supposedly had inappropriate contact with Harris. In the interview, she also revealed her boys' claim that cheerleading coach Shaquille Brown sexually assaulted them at a party in May. She reported Brown (who maintains his innocence) to police, and he was arrested in July and suspended by the U.S. All Star Federation. Kristen also reported Harris to the organization in May and again in July, but she eventually went to police when the USASF didn’t look into the allegations.In a statement given to various outlets, a spokesperson for Harris has denied all of the claims. “We categorically dispute the claims made against Jerry Harris, which are alleged to have occurred when he was a teenager,” his camp said. “We are confident that when the investigation is completed the true facts will be revealed.”In August, when Varsity Brands was made aware of the allegations, they also reported them to authorities as per protocol, and they severed ties with Harris. "As a result of the recent allegation, we have barred this person from having any affiliation with Varsity Brands or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, now and in the future," a spokesperson said in the article. The publication also notes that Harris has partnerships with Cheerios, Starburst and Walmart through his Instagram account, and on September 14 General Mills confirmed it had suspended its relationship with the reality star.Cheer was an instant hit when its six-episode first season debuted on Netflix this past January. The show, which revolves around the 40-member coed cheering team from Navarro College in Texas, won a TCA Award for Outstanding Reality Show and has been nominated for six Emmys. Meanwhile, the team’s coach, Monica Aldama, is a celebrity contestant on this season of Dancing With the Stars.Since appearing on the show, Harris has covered the Oscars red carpet, he and the rest of the Cheer cast joined Oprah onstage during the Texas leg of her 2020 Vision Tour, and celeb fan Gabrielle Union even surprised him during a video interview with Variety in early August.At time of press, the investigation into the alleged claims is ongoing and no formal charges have been laid.[video_embed id='2034764']Before you go: Kim Kardashian responds to criticism over her maternity shapewear[/video_embed]