Cheer Athletics–Plano Files for Bankruptcy Amid Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Cheer Athletics–Plano, a well-known gym in the competitive cheerleading world, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This action occurred just one day before a civil trial was scheduled to start concerning sexual assault allegations.
Background of the Lawsuit
In 2021, twins Hannah and Jessica Gerlacher, national-level competitive cheerleaders with a significant social media presence, filed a civil lawsuit. They accused a former coach of sexually abusing them and claimed that both Cheer Athletics and the U.S. All Star Federation failed to protect them.
"We decided to come forward, so no other child would experience what we went through," said plaintiff Hannah Gerlacher in 2021.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
The trial was initially set to begin on Monday, November 3, but it was halted the day before the start date.
"They put themselves out there in this case. They didn't really want to have to do that, but they did that because they really do want to be an example and to make a sport that they love safer," stated plaintiff’s attorney Michelle Simpson Tuegel.
"I think they're trying to avoid accountability, especially with the timing," added Simpson Tuegel regarding the bankruptcy filing.
Current Status
Cheer Athletics–Plano officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid these developments.
Summary
The timing of Cheer Athletics–Plano’s bankruptcy filing raised concerns as it came just before a key trial involving sexual assault allegations, stirring debate over accountability in competitive cheerleading.