Cheer Season 2: What We Know About Mitch Ryan’s Assault Charges

Mitchell Ryan from the reality hit Cheer went to trial due to sexual assault allegations in 2021, but he wasn’t found guilty. Early in the pandemic, the Netflix series became a major pop culture phenomenon. While Mitchell was not at the center of the season’s plotline, he was still a big part of the onscreen action. However, the flurry of allegations surrounding several former Navarro cheerleaders only added fuel to the accusations against Mitchell. Cheer season 2 has now debuted on Netflix and addresses the uncomfortable allegations.

An episode of season 2 is centered on allegations against Jeremiah “Jerry” Harris, who was accused of sexual assault and the solicitation of child pornography. Coach Monica Aldama was devastated to hear about Jerry. Meanwhile, Jerry’s Cheer costar Gabi Butler shared that she always kept Jerry close to her heart, saying that the Jerry she knew was the same one viewers saw in season 1. Jerry was a fan favorite thanks to his radiantly positive disposition and ability to overcome his circumstances. The juxtaposition of the allegations against Netflix’s original portrait of the beloved Cheer star was jarring. After news about the case against Jerry surfaced in September 2021, accusations against Mitchell, which started in February, resurfaced. Robert Scianna, a two-time World Champion, was the third and final teammate on the Navarro cheer squad named in sexual assault allegations. Robert was arrested after soliciting sex from a juvenile on social media.

Mitchell faced assault charges but not online solicitation charges, unlike his costars. He also wasn’t highlighted in the same way as Jerry in Cheer season 2. According to Dallas County Sheriff’s Department records, Coppell, Texas Police arrested Mitchell on a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child on July 24. Ryan was released the following morning on a bond of $50,000. The plaintiff’s mother, Shannon Huckaba, corroborated her daughter’s story that Mitchell, 23, invited her daughter, who was 15 at the time, to practice cheer stunts and then forcibly assaulted her, according to USA Today.

Mitchell’s Attorney Jeremy Rosenthal told CNN, “Mitch and his family were surprised by this arrest.” He continued, “There are two sides to every story, and we are confident Mitch’s name will be cleared.” Mitchell was, in fact, cleared, and Shannon and her daughter were devastated. Neither Mitchell nor Jerry from Cheer has been convicted, although Jerry still awaits his trial. The Dallas News confirmed that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Mitchell. Meanwhile, Shannon said that she would seek alternative forms of legal recourse, as she is determined to find justice for her daughter. Though cleared of criminal charges, Mitchell remains under temporary suspension by the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF) and USA Cheer.

With a longstanding reputation for turning a blind eye to child abuse within the sport, USASF has received criticism for its delayed suspension of Mitchell. The organization received notice of the assault allegations in October of 2020 but waited three months to suspend him. While the open legal proceedings against the Cheer stars indicate progress regarding accountability, the lack of prosecution in Cheer alum Mitchell’s case is worrisome. It has left the plaintiff (and survivors everywhere) questioning how ongoing and future allegations within the sport will be received. Many fans also questioned Cheer season 2 when it came to the Navarro squad’s support of Jerry, despite the very serious allegations against him.

Source: CNN

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Olivia Landon
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Olivia Landon is a digital creative working in entertainment media and television production. A graduate of Occidental College’s Critical Theory and Social Justice and Media Arts & Culture programs, Olivia believes in entertainment as a springboard for curating intersectional cultures of care. Visit her website https://www.livlandon.media/

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