Cheer Star Morgan Simianer Addresses Allegations Against Jerry Harris

Season 2 of Netflix’s Cheer looked a lot different this time around. Season 1 was much lighter, introducing us to the young cheerleaders of Navarro College. It followed them on their quest to win yet another championship in Daytona. The team was successful and fans adored the scrappy, likable cast. Season 2 had a much more somber tone. The 2020 championships were cancelled due to the pandemic. The team had a few key members move on with their lives outside of the team. Tensions flared and relationships were fractured.

But nothing was quite as shocking or upsetting as the arrest of star Jerry Harris. Jerry was federally charged with allegedly producing child pornography. A statement from federal officials accused Jerry of “enticing an underage boy to produce sexually explicit videos and photos of himself.” Additional charges followed and the team was forced to grapple with the news while filming the series.

Teammate Morgan Simianer, who was heavily featured in season 1, also dealt with the fallout. But for this season, it was at a distance. Morgan graduated from Navarro in 2020 and lost the chance to compete when the championships were cancelled for the year. But she did make a brief appearance on season 2, showing up at Daytona to cheer on the team. Now she is opening up to E! News about her feelings on her former teammate Jerry.

Said Morgan, “I think it’s a good thing because it is a problem that is happening in the world. And to be able to bring some light to it to help those out there, I think, is a good thing.” Morgan added that she was “obviously shocked” about the claims against Jerry. Morgan admitted, “I just want to say that my heart goes out to everyone involved.”

RELATED: Cheer Star Monica Aldama Hasn’t Responded To Letters From Jerry Harris After His Arrest

For his part, Jerry has denied the allegations against him. He has pleaded not guilty and a spokesperson for him has said, “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.”

As for missing out on competing again, Morgan said, “It was hard because I wanted to be out there and be with my team. But at the same time I’m just glad I was able to support them and, you know, come back as an alumni and just be there for my family.” It doesn’t sound like she has any regrets though. She concluded, “I’ve been doing these crazy once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, meeting some insane people. My life is literally still not real and it’s been two years since the first season was released.”