If you haven’t watched the show ‘Cheer’ on Netflix by now, honestly, what are you
waiting for?!
This is the PERFECT time to binge.
But one of the show’s main cast members, La'Darius Marshall, just opened up about how
he struggled after filming Cheer.
What’s up?
It’s Emile Ennis Jr. here with Clevver News bringing you all the news updates from my
at-home Clevver studio.
If you’ve watched Cheer, you probably know and love La'Darius Marshall for his sick stunting
ability...
Or maybe for his obsession with dancing or Bad Girls Club.
But the reality show took us all inside the world of competitive cheerleading at Navarro
College in Texas.
We got to see everything from grueling practices, to injuries, to championships.
But some parts of the show were more serious.
Before we get into that make sure to subscribe to Clevver News and hit that bell so you never
miss any entertainment news updates.
And I just wanted to give a quick trigger warning that we are going to be talking about
some heavier topics in this story like sexual abuse, so please only continue watching if
you feel comfortable doing so.
Alright, so while the show ‘Cheer’ had it’s lighter moments, it left La'Darius,
who got super candid about his past with sexual abuse, feeling exposed.
In his interviews throughout the series, La'Darius revealed that he was sexually abused by an
older boy when he was just a child.
And for his recent cover story with The Cut magazine, La'Darius says that the experience
of opening up to the cameras left him in a “dark place.”
He explained that he even stopped eating and drinking, causing him to lose weight.
But La'Darius said that he “just knew” Cheer was where he could open up about his
story.
He said quote, “You have to battle yourself and battle your inner demons … because they
tell you it is socially unacceptable to talk about it and you’re being a wuss if you
do.
And I just don’t see how that culture is even close to being healthy.
That’s like me going through my entire life and not telling my story,”
And La'Darius revealed that even before speaking out, cheerleading provided him a way to feel
visible.
He said quote, “When I’m performing, you’re going to see me.
In that moment, the kid in me is like, ‘You’re going to see me whether you like it or not.’
And I feel like that kid is finally gone.
He definitely got what he wanted.”
But even someone as confident and strong as La'Darius was really worried about what people
would think of him once the show dropped.
He said “I never wanted to be perceived as a victim.
I don’t like the word…
I know what I’ve been through, but look how far I made it.”
But this whole experience and the show told him that he could be accepted for who he is,
even with his guards down.
La'Darius said quote, “I don’t have to have shields on -- I just should live…
You’re gonna miss out on your blessings if you don’t allow people to come in.”
He also spoke about this in a previous NBC interview.
And while working through self acceptance, La’Darius actually turned to one of his
favorite artists for inspiration and motivation.
He said quote, “Watching Nicki Minaj go through a lot of stuff in life and still make
it and still smile and still keep going… taught me how to do that.
Because there was a time where I literally thought I was not going to make it.
I thought I was already done.
But I always had Nicki Minaj."
And we love this!
It’s always nice to have a role model to turn to during tough times.
Is there someone you look to when you’re struggling?
I would love to know, so get the conversation going about some positive role models down
in the comments below!
And feel free to drop some love down there for La’Darius as well!
And fans are sending love to La’Darius on social media and thank him for being brave
enough to share his story.
One person wrote quote, “Finally watching Cheer and I LOVE La’Darius Marshall - I
love anyone who is brave enough to live their truth, especially when the world tries to
shut them down”
Another said quote, “La’Darius in #CHEER is amazing and precious and deserves the world.”
Someone else tweeted, “la'darius marshall from cheer was so strong and brave sharing
his story.
he's the underrated star of the show and one of the most talented on the team.
sad we don't get to see him perform at daytona again this year :(“
Speaking of which, like many other canceled events, the Collegiate Cheer National Championship
in Daytona, Florida was cancelled to promote social distancing and to keep everyone safe.
After the news broke, several stars of Cheer, including La’Darius, took to social media
to express their disappointment.
He shared this video and wrote quote, “This isn’t goodbye Navarro 2020 it’s see you
later.
Daytona you will be missed and greatly appreciated.
I love everyone one of my teammates and all the love we shared.
The end of my cheerleading career has come a bit early.
For everyone who supported me all this way I want to say thank you and I love you.
I’m heartbroken for my team and coaches.
Long live the bright light we all shared together and the countless fullouts we have done to
get ready for this competition.”
La’Darius’s teammate Gabi Butler also posted.
She shared this pic and wrote quote, “I’m gonna miss looking up to you and saying “I’ve
got you” I’m gonna miss walking into practice and hugging every single one of you...
I’m gonna miss the love from this beautiful team.
I love you guys with all my heart”
And Jerry Harris shared this team photo writing quote, “My family FOREVER and ALWAYS! this
isn’t a goodbye.... it’s a see you soon”
It seems like the Navarro Cheer teammates are all hanging at their respective homes,
social distancing and keeping busy on Tik Tok, like the rest of us.
Alright that's the news I've got and for more on the Cheer cast, click right over here for
another video with all the tea.
I'm Emile Ennis Jr. and I’ll catch you next time right here on Clevver.