Brief
Justin Hinsley says Anna Leigh Wilson dragged up his past support for jailed cheer star Jerry Harris
The former Cheer alum says Wilson’s comments were an attempt to shift heat onto her during a Challenge episode.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Justin Hinsley, a former "Cheer" cast member now competing on "The Challenge: Cutthroat," said Anna Leigh Wilson brought up his earlier public support for disgraced former teammate Jerry Harris during the Wednesday episode that led to his elimination.
What happened
Hinsley, 27, was eliminated from "The Challenge" on Wednesday. In a post‑episode interview with Page Six, he said Wilson mentioned his past defense of Harris, who is serving a 12‑year sentence after pleading guilty to child‑pornography‑related charges in 2022. Hinsley described Wilson’s remarks as an effort to "drag me down into the mud" and divert attention from herself.
What the reports add
The Page Six interview provides details of the exchange: Hinsley claimed Wilson was "digging for something" to deflect heat from herself, while Wilson previously accused him of acting as a "morale police" for defending Harris. The article also notes that Wilson has faced backlash for a flirtation with co‑star Leo Dionicio, which was covered by Felo News on October 7.
What was said
"I think her going there was just trying to find some way to get the heat taken off of her," Hinsley told Page Six.
"It was years and years ago, there’s so many different layers to it," he added.
Wilson responded in an earlier interview, saying, "If people are listening to the morale police of Justin, then I think they need to look up the Jerry Harris situation," and warned viewers to consider their information sources.
How it came about
In 2022, Hinsley was among several "Cheer" alumni who posted a character‑video defending Harris after the former star was charged with producing child pornography. Harris was sentenced to 12 years after pleading guilty to receipt of child pornography and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The controversy resurfaced when Wilson referenced Hinsley’s past support during their reality‑TV competition.
Key facts
- Justin Hinsley said Anna Leigh Wilson mentioned his past support for Jerry Harris during a Challenge episode. (nypost.com)
- Jerry Harris is serving a 12‑year prison sentence after pleading guilty to child‑pornography charges in 2022. (nypost.com)
- Anna Leigh Wilson previously faced criticism for flirting with co‑star Leo Dionicio on The Challenge. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Exclusive | Justin Hinsley blasts ‘Challenge’ co-star for ‘digging up’ past support of disgraced ‘Cheer’ teammate Jerry Harris”
