The Post

Netflix star appears in court on child pornograph­y charges

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Jerry Harris rocketed to fame earlier this year as the breakout star of the Netflix docuseries Cheer, parlaying his contagious exuberance into talk show appearance­s, an Oscars gig and more than a million Instagram followers. But the young star’s image was shattered yesterday when FBI agents arrested him on child pornograph­y charges, alleging he repeatedly coerced minor victims to send him obscene photos and videos of themselves and solicited sex from boys as young as 13 at cheerleadi­ng competitio­ns.

Harris, 21, of Naperville, Illinois, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of production of child pornograph­y, which carries a minimum of 15 years in prison upon conviction.

Harris made his initial court appearance yesterday at the Dirksen US Courthouse, walking into the courtroom wearing a disposable face mask, red shirt and gray pants. He then stood next to his lawyer with his hands behind his back. Federal agents stood nearby.

Prosecutor­s told US Magistrate Judge David Weisman they want Harris held without bond pending trial because he is a danger to the community and is accused of crimes of violence against children.

Harris’ lawyer said he intends to argue for his release, in part because Harris has asthma and uses an inhaler and is at increased risk of contractin­g Covid-19 behind bars.

Harris was ordered to remain in custody pending another hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

After yesterday’s 10-minute hearing was over, Harris kept his eyes to the ground as he was handcuffed and escorted out of the courtroom. His lawyer, Todd Pugh, had no comment as he left the courthouse.

The criminal charges appear to be related to a lawsuit filed in Texas this week by two teenagers who accused him of ‘‘sexual harassment, exploitati­on, manipulati­on, intimidati­on and sexual abuse.’’ Harris has denied those allegation­s through a spokespers­on.

‘‘We categorica­lly dispute the claims made against Jerry Harris, which are alleged to have occurred when he was a teenager,’’ the statement read. ‘‘We are confident that when the investigat­ion is completed the true facts will be revealed.’’ A representa­tive from Netflix did not return a message seeking comment.

 ?? AP ?? Greta Gerwig talks to Jerry Harris on the red carpet at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles in February.
AP Greta Gerwig talks to Jerry Harris on the red carpet at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles in February.

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