Netflix's new documentary collection America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has acquired sturdy backlash from viewers after revealing a “stunning” pay disparity between extremely expert cheerleaders who’re paid the identical as a “full-time Chick-fil-A employee.”
The brand new collection showcases the demanding routine it takes to change into a cheerleader on the extremely aggressive, elite squad, which entails a excessive stage of athleticism and coaching for bodily demanding performances in addition to spectacular routines – whereas additionally revealing they’re paid so low that a few of them need to work second jobs.
How a lot are they paid?
In keeping with Forbes, cheerleaders earn round $15-20 per hour, giving them an annual wage of $22,500. In the meantime, the Dallas Cowboys are one of many richest sports activities franchises on the planet, with a web value of $9 billion.
Within the documentary, Cowboys chief model officer Charlotte Jones mentioned: “There's plenty of skepticism about NFL cheerleaders' salaries – as there needs to be. They're not paid very a lot. However the fact is that they're probably not right here for the cash. They're right here for one thing that's actually a lot larger than that to them. They’ve a ardour for dance. There aren't plenty of alternatives to carry out at a excessive stage in dance.
“It’s about being part of one thing larger than your self. It’s a few sisterhood that they’re in a position to construct, about relationships that final for the remainder of their lives. They get an opportunity to really feel like they’re valued, they’re particular, they usually’re making a distinction. When girls come right here, they discover their ardour and their goal.”
Discussing the Twitter often known as X, one individual wrote: “Undecided what's occurring with Netflix recently however this Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders doc may backfire much more than Child Reindeer.” One other added: “I hope the tip result’s that the ladies receives a commission pretty. And I hope they're getting paid for this doc.”
A 3rd individual added: “Charlotte Jones accepting & justifying #AmericasSweethearts low pay as a result of it's a 'dream' to even be on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad is disgusting. Y'all have to push girls ahead. This cycle should not proceed.”
One other individual mentioned: “I'm watching this documentary in regards to the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders: Women, you’re being exploited for revenue they usually're promoting it as a privilege so that you can be a part of the crew.”
The brand new collection follows the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders crew from the 2023 to 2024 seasons, from auditions to coaching camp and performances all through the NFL season.
Talking in regards to the subject of pay on the present, Emmy Award-winning director Greg Whiteley, who labored on the collection, mentioned: “I by no means felt they needed to work second jobs to pay the payments. All of them get to a sure age group the place they're beginning to ask a few of the massive questions of life. Who am I? What am I going to do with my life?
“Particularly, what I do now that I'm executed working as D.C.C., which was the story of Caroline Sundvold. She was the face of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Now she's retired, what's subsequent?”
