Cheerleading is often associated with teamwork, athleticism, and school spirit, but behind the bright uniforms and high-energy performances, for too many, a darker reality exists: sexual abuse. Cheerleaders – many of them young athletes – can be vulnerable to exploitation by coaches, trainers, and even fellow team members. When abuse occurs, it is often concealed by institutions more concerned with reputation than justice. If you or a loved one who has participated in cheerleading has suffered abuse, you have legal rights and may be able to pursue a cheerleading sexual abuse lawsuit.
Unfortunately, cheerleading environments in schools, competitive squads, private gyms, and more, can foster power imbalances that predators exploit. Coaches and staff may use their authority to manipulate, groom, or assault athletes, while organizations frequently fail to conduct proper background checks or enforce safety policies.
After abuse has occurred, many victims may stay silent due to fear, shame, or institutional pressure, allowing abusers to continue unchecked. Not only can a sexual abuse lawsuit provide financial compensation and demand accountability, but it may also help prevent future harm to other cheerleaders who would otherwise be abused.
In January 2023, NPR reported on 12 sex abuse lawsuits against six cheerleading gyms in seven states. The report highlighted Rockstar Cheer and Dance, which closed following a civil lawsuit accusing the owner of sexually abusing minors and of letting other coaches do the same.
“Since that first federal civil lawsuit in South Carolina was filed, Rockstar has been hit with three more,” NPR reported at the time. “Similar suits have also been filed in six other states, naming five gyms, 15 coaches and two choreographers. In all, 12 lawsuits on behalf of 21 plaintiffs allege a culture of sexual abuse, drugs, and pornography in competitive cheerleading.”
There are unfortunately many other similar stories regarding cheerleading sexual abuse. Too often, governing bodies like USA Gymnastics and cheer organizations fail to act on complaints, leaving athletes at risk.
Sexual abuse cases in cheerleading can involve multiple liable parties, including abusive coaches or trainers, gyms and cheer organizations that ignore warnings or fail to conduct background checks, schools and universities if staff members were negligent in supervising athletes or reporting abuse, and third-party organizations like event coordinators or travel programs that turned a blind eye to misconduct.
Survivors of sexual abuse in cheerleading can pursue damages for medical expenses, therapy, pain and suffering, and more. The team at Phillips Law Group can help you or your loved one consider the legal options available.
Filing a lawsuit does more than seek compensation – it forces institutions to change. Many abuse survivors have successfully pushed for policy reforms, mandatory reporting laws, and increased transparency in youth sports. Legal action also empowers victims by giving them a voice against those who silenced them.
Let us help you have a voice. If you or someone you love was sexually abused in cheerleading, you don’t have to fight alone. Our firm is committed to holding predators and enablers accountable while helping survivors rebuild their lives.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation, confidential consultation. Your story matters, and justice is possible. Call 602-222-2222 to learn more now.
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