![]() I am sympathetic to their stories, and will cooperate with all involved to make sure our athletes learn and grow in a safe environment,” she said.Īdding to the blow, 10 cheerleading gyms operating with the Rockstar name in different states have severed ties with the brand. “I hope the survivors are seeking and receive the support they need. In an earlier statement shared with NBC News, she said she was “heartbroken” by the allegations made by current and former Rockstar athletes. “Over the past 15 years, our incredible athletes have worked hard to build a winning legacy and I will always be extremely proud of each of them.” ![]() “Although this was a difficult decision, I believe it is the best option under the circumstances,” Kathy Foster said in a statement. ![]() cut ties with nameĪs a result of the scandal, Foster’s widow announced that Rockstar Cheer in Greenville County is closing its doors indefinitely. NCSI, Bain Capital, and a representative for Kathy Foster did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the suits. “The alleged conduct runs counter to everything the cheer and dance community is intended to represent,” he said. Varsity’s president Bill Seely also issued a statement saying Foster was accused of “abhorrent criminal, predatory conduct.” We will not comment on allegations or developments associated with this matter to allow law enforcement to appropriately investigate the allegations,” the statement said. “We respect the central role of law enforcement in investigating such reports, as part of our commitment to a safe environment for all our members. USASF said in a statement it was “devastated” to learn of the allegations of potential abuse in South Carolina, urging any victims to come forward. This was allowed to happen because of power, unbridled power where these individuals felt comfortable taking advantage of children. Most of the alleged incidents occurred between 20.Īt the press conference, attorney Jessica Finkling said the abuse went beyond Foster. ‘This didn’t just happen in a vacuum’Īhead of filing the suit, Strom law firm held a press conference saying they were representing dozens of survivors, male and female, who ranged in age from minors to being in their 40s and lived across the U.S., though most cases of alleged abuse were concentrated in Greenville. The coaches did not immediately respond to NBC News requests for comment. ![]() The coaches were accused of a range of inappropriate conduct including rape, touching, oral sex, groping and soliciting nude photos or sending nude photos and videos to athletes. All coaches were described as proteges of Foster, with five having previously worked at Rockstar. The amended suit also added six coaches as new defendants. Kathy Foster is accused in the suit of enabling her husband and in some instances knowing of his behavior. The suit accused Scott Foster of drinking and doing drugs with minor athletes, sexually abusing them, soliciting nude pictures, assault and groping. District Court in Greenville, South Carolina, against Foster’s estate, his wife Kathy Foster, Rockstar Cheer, USASF and Bain Capital, Varsity Spirit’s parent company, on behalf of several anonymous accusers alleging that the defendants knew, or should have known, about abuse by coaches at the gym. Rockstar Cheer in Greenville County, S.C., in 2020. All Star Federation (USASF), the governing body over the cheer industry Varsity Spirit, which organizes competitions and camps and The National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI), which provides background checks. The suit named Foster, who had already died at the time Rockstar Cheer & Dance Inc U. It also alleges that Foster provided the plaintiff with alcohol on multiple of those occasions. On at least 10 occasions, the girl “was persuaded into performing various sexual acts including oral and penetrative sex with Foster,” which took place at his home, in his vehicle, at Rockstar’s facility, at hotels during competitions and in South Carolina and Florida, the complaint said. He had multiple communications with her over Snapchat “that included messages of a sexual nature, nude pictures of himself and requests for nude pictures,” which she sent, the complaint said Foster allegedly took an interest in the accuser starting in early 2020 and lasting over the course of a year after she was promoted to the top tier team at Rockstar, the complaint said.
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