Being part of a competitive sport, it's inevitable that your teammates become your family over time. During the second season of "Cheer," producers did not shy away from the Jerry Harris scandal, as they address the situation head on in the fifth episode of the season, titled "Jerry." Harris, otherwise known as "mat talk" on the team, was a Navarro athlete and fan favorite during the first season. In September 2020, Harris was charged with producing child pornography. He later admitted to exchanging explicit messages through Snapchat and partaking in sexual activity with minors (via USA Today). 

Gabi Butler, Harris' former teammate, claimed that, although she does not condone his alleged actions, she still views him as family. According to E! News, Butler was devastated when she learned Harris was charged with seven different sex crimes. "I don't agree with what he was accused of or condone it at all. And it is very unfortunate and it breaks my heart," she said. "But it's literally like your family. How are you gonna just hate your family?" She acknowledged she could never hate him and that she couldn't "turn [her] back on him," as "he was there for [her]."

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).