Documentary on Netflix unveils that Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' salary is comparable to that of a Chick-fil-A employee
The world of professional cheerleading, as portrayed by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), is not just about glitz and glamour. A new docuseries, "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," offers a glimpse into the emotionally taxing nature of the profession.
For years, the DCC were historically paid around $15 to $20 per hour, totaling about $500 per game and approximately $75,000 annually. However, after veteran squad members led a campaign for better compensation due to the heavy demands of the role, they secured a significant pay raise of 400%, with recent estimates placing hourly wages between $60 and $75.
Despite the pay increase, the docuseries reveals instances of harassment, stalking, and sexual abuse experienced by the cheerleaders. One of the women alleged that Richard Dalrymple, the Cowboys' longtime senior vice president for public relations and communications, was behind a semi-hidden wall in their locker room with his iPhone extended towards them while they were changing their clothes.
In 2015, the Dallas Cowboys team paid a confidential settlement of $2.4 million after four cheerleaders accused a senior team executive of voyeurism in their locker room. The women in the docuseries are subjected to harassment and are not properly compensated for their intense work.
According to TIME's review, the documentary shows the harsh realities of this romanticized profession, including low pay, long hours, increased vulnerability to sexual violence, and the expectation that purpose and camaraderie should make up for being undervalued. The show pulls back the curtain on the cheerleading industry, particularly in the context of Netflix's "Cheer" docuseries.
The women in the docuseries are referred to as "machines" due to their physical endurance and agility. They earn significantly less than the NFL players they work alongside, with some earning as little as $150 per game, according to NBC Sports Boston's 2022 report. A 2022 DCC alum, Kat Puryear, compared her salary to that of a full-time Chick-fil-A worker.
The docuseries, "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," provides insight into the cheerleaders' work routine and personal lives. It's a must-watch for those seeking to understand the challenges faced by these women in their quest to entertain and inspire millions. The show serves as a call to action for fairer treatment and compensation for cheerleaders across the industry.
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