The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have faced various challenges and controversies over the years, including issues related to compensation and workplace environment.
Compensation Concerns
In 2018, former cheerleader Erica Wilkins filed a lawsuit against the Dallas Cowboys, alleging that she sometimes earned less than minimum wage during her tenure with the team. She claimed that there were instances where she was paid less than the team’s mascot and that cheerleaders were responsible for their own gym memberships and uniform maintenance costs. This lawsuit was settled in 2019, resulting in increased hourly wages from $8 to $12 and a raise in game-day pay from $200 to $400 for the cheerleaders.
Allegations of Invasion of Privacy
In 2022, reports emerged that the Dallas Cowboys paid $2.4 million in a confidential settlement to four cheerleaders who accused Richard Dalrymple, a former senior vice president, of secretly filming them in their locker room in 2015. The women alleged that Dalrymple used his security access to enter the locker room and record them while they were changing. Dalrymple denied the allegations, stating that the accusations were false and that he had cooperated fully with the investigations at the time.
Depictions in Media
The experiences of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have also been explored in media. The Netflix docuseries “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” provided an unfiltered look at the challenges faced by the squad, including demanding auditions, rigorous training camps, and the physical and psychological toll of the profession. The series sparked discussions about the treatment and compensation of the cheerleaders, with some fans expressing concerns over the disparity between the team’s profitability and the cheerleaders’ earnings.
Conclusion
While the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have faced various challenges, including concerns about compensation and workplace environment, there is no evidence to suggest that Donald Trump has taken any steps to reward or recognize them. The issues highlighted above reflect ongoing discussions about the treatment and compensation of cheerleaders within professional sports organizations.
Be the first to comment