Photo: Tamron Hall Show
CheerstarMonica Aldamais opening up about the emotional day she first learned one of her Navarro College cheerleaders,Jerry Harris, had been accused of sex crimes.
In an exclusive clip from Aldama’s interview on theTamron Hallshow Wednesday, the 49-year-old cheerleading coach reveals she was preparing for a liveDancing with the Starsshow when an executive producer approached her about the allegations against Harris. Aldama competed on the 29th season ofDWTSin 2020.
Since theDWTSepisode was filming live, Aldama was already out of her comfort zone and feeling vulnerable, she explains to Hall, 51.
“I was on the stage. We were about to go into the full dress rehearsal and that’s when the executive producer came up to me and asked me if I had seen the headlines and, of course, I had not,” she recounts.
“I was just taken aback and it kind of took the breath out of me for a minute and all I could read is the headline. I couldn’t read the actual article. I still haven’t read the actual article … I told her I couldn’t even look at that until I got finished with the show that night,” Aldama says.
She continues, “I couldn’t read anything. I had to stay emotionally strong because I was already a wreck thinking about doingDancing with the Stars. I just tried to hold back until I got through that night and let all the emotions pour in.”
He was also charged with one count of using the internet to allegedly “persuade, induce, and entice” one of the minors to engage in sexual activity. The alleged acts took place in Florida, Illinois and Texas. Harris has remained behind bars since September. He has pleaded not guilty.
Jerry Harris.Getty Images
Speaking to Hall, Aldama says her “heart was just all over the place” after learning about the allegations against Harris. She particularly struggled with not being “physically in Texas” with her team.
“That also was really weighing on me. You know not physically being able to be with the team and the people who I felt like we needed to lean on each other and we did as best we could,” she says.
Recalling a FaceTime call with her team to discuss the incident Aldama says, “It was awful honestly. I never witnessed sadness like that.”
Cheeris returning for itssecond seasonon Wednesday. This time around it will follow the Navarro College team as it aims to score another championship title while processing Harris' arrest.
Tamron Hallairs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings.
source: people.com
