AUSTIN – Twin sisters Hannah and Jessica Gerlacher have filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against Cheer Athletics.
The $10 million lawsuit also names the United States All Star Federation and Jason McCartney as defendants.
According to the lawsuit, when the sisters were still minors, they began private lessons with McCartney. The alleged abuse began in 2015.
“McCartney repeatedly engaged in inappropriate and unlawful sexual contact with Hannah and Jessica Gerlacher, taking their innocence away,” the suit states. “McCartney pushed up against Jessica and Hannah with an erection on numerous occasions. McCartney would instruct Hannah to sit in his lap where he would hold and touch her.”
The suit lists several more graphic incidents. When the twins came to terms with the abuse and filed a complaint with the USASF, the defendants took no action.
“Instead of any investigation and any consequence for what transpired, Cheer Athletics has continued to grow its base of athletes, and also revenue,” the suit states. “McCartney is currently a co-owner of the Austin location of Cheer Athletics, where he has continued exposure to minor athletes.”
The plaintiffs are alleging gross negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
They are represented by Michelle Simpson Tuegel of The Simpson Tuegel Law Firm in Dallas and attorneys Andrew Dao and John Black of Daly & Black in Houston.