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A former metro Atlanta cheerleader has filed a sweeping lawsuit alleging years of systemic sexual abuse, grooming, and institutional negligence within the competitive cheerleading world. The 122-page complaint names multiple defendants, including the Walton County School District, Varsity Brands, USA Cheer, and two metro Atlanta cheer gyms. The case stems from the arrest of former Barrow County cheer coach Charles Moore, who investigators say spent years exploiting young athletes while coaching at gyms and schools across Walton and Barrow counties, Atlanta news station 11Alive.com reported yesterday.
Moore was first arrested in May 2024 by Loganville Police on felony child exploitation charges. A month later, he was arrested again by the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office and charged with sexual exploitation of a child connected to a Winder-area gym where he coached.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of a woman identified as Jane Doe, alleges that Moore groomed and sexually assaulted her when she was a child. A plaintiff’s attorney representing Doe said the case is about holding powerful organizations accountable for enabling a “culture of misconduct.”
“This is a complaint for personal injury,” the attorney said. “Among the allegations are institutional failures by the school district and cheer federations—failure to implement policies governing adult-minor interactions, failure to supervise, and negligence in hiring. It all stems from one individual, Charles Moore, who had unfettered access to these minor athletes, some as young as eight or nine.”
According to the attorney, multiple possible victims have already been identified. “We’ve sat down with as many as three that we’ve had personal interaction with, but based on what we know, there are going to be countless more,” he said.
The complaint alleges that coaches, administrators, and national cheer organizations ignored repeated warning signs about Moore’s behavior. “It was brought to their attention,” the attorney said. “They made a conscious decision to put the shield that is competitive cheer before the innocence of these young women. There’s just an overwhelming sense of, ‘Where were the adults in the room?’”
The attorney described Moore’s alleged actions as part of a long-standing pattern of grooming and exploitation that went unchecked. He said Moore used his authority within cheer programs to access minors at gyms, competitions, and private homes.
Evidence gathered during the investigation suggests that Moore had been “on the radar” of top cheer organizations long before his arrest. “We’ve uncovered documented proof that he was known to the highest levels of these federations,” the attorney said. “It’s impossible for them to say they didn’t know.”
While the lawsuit seeks financial compensation, the broader objective is systemic reform. “The goal here is to make victims whole while punishing and deterring the conduct that allowed this to happen,” the attorney said. “From what we’re learning, this seems to be cultural.”
The legal team has amassed tens of thousands of screenshots and other documentation to support the case. The attorney emphasized that the goal is not to dismantle the sport but to protect athletes. “They’re putting the brand that is competitive cheer before the child,” he said. “At some point, it was brought to people’s attention, and by all accounts, nothing was done to stop it.”
The complaint accuses the defendants of gross negligence, claiming they had both “actual and constructive knowledge” of Moore’s misconduct. “Negligence is when you have a duty to someone and you breach that duty,” the attorney explained. “Sometimes that breach is so reckless that it becomes willful. We think this rises to the level of gross negligence unquestionably.”
“This deserves public outrage,” he added.
Are You Or A Loved One A Survivor Of Varsity Brands/Varsity Spirit Sexual Assault?
If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse within a cheerleading or athletic organization, you are not alone. Survivors across the country are standing up and seeking accountability. Learn your rights and how to take the next step toward justice by visiting our Varsity Spirit Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide. Many survivors say the true value of coming forward goes beyond compensation. It’s also about being heard, validated, and empowered to reclaim your life.
