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From child star to convicted perpetrator“Dances with Wolves” star gets life sentence for sexual abuse
Ex-actor Nathan Chasing Horse has to be behind bars for at least 37 years.
Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal/AP/dpa
His name was once in the credits, now in the verdict.
Nathan Chasing Horse, known from the Kevin Costner classic “Dances with Wolves,” has been sentenced to life in prison in the US state of Nevada. The former actor is said to have sexually abused indigenous women and girls for years.
Shocking allegations against the “medicine man”
The public prosecutor's office accuses Chasing Horse of deliberately abusing his reputation as a spiritual leader and “medicine man.” He is said to have made women and girls dependent for years. Prosecutor Bianca Pucci said during the trial that he had “spun a web of abuse” over almost 20 years in which countless victims became entangled.
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In the courtroom, those affected and their relatives describe how deeply the actions continue to have an impact today. They speak of broken trust, trauma and a shattered faith. One woman says she was only 14 years old when the attacks began. Chasing Horse persuaded her that the spirits would demand that she sacrifice her virginity to save her mother, who was suffering from cancer. He then threatened her: If she spoke, her mother would die.
From film fame to the courtroom
Judge Jessica Peterson finds clear words: “You took advantage of these women’s trust and spirituality and manipulated them for your own personal gratification.” But Chasing Horse shows no remorse. Despite the overwhelming burden of evidence, he denied everything until the end. “This is a miscarriage of justice,” he claims before the judge.
When the verdict came down, cheers broke out in the courtroom. More than a dozen people present applaud. In January, a jury had already found the 49-year-old, who was arrested in January 2023, guilty of 13 of a total of 21 charges, including multiple sexual abuse of minors under the age of 16. He was acquitted on eight other counts. Now Judge Jessica Peterson will determine the sentence. The earliest he could apply for parole is after 37 years – by then he would be almost 90 years old. The verdict in Nevada does not yet end the case. Further proceedings against the ex-actor are also underway in Canada.
At the age of 15, Nathan Chasing Horse appeared in “Dances with Wolves”.
Getty Images/Etienne Carjat
Nathan Chasing Horse became world famous as a teenager. He played the character “Smiles a Lot” in the 1990 Oscar-winning film “Dances with Wolves.” The film won seven Oscars in 1991 and brought him international fame.
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“I will rebuild my life”
The long road to healing now begins for the victims. Corena Leone-LaCroix, who was abused as a 14-year-old, finds strong words on Monday (March 27). “There is no way to get youth back. The life this little girl could have had has been taken away from me forever”she tells CNN.
But despite the pain, there remains hope. Siera Begaye, who underwent surgery after an ectopic pregnancy caused by abuse, looks forward: “I choose to see this moment as a new beginning. I will rebuild my life, reclaim my voice and continue fighting for the future I deserve.” (nha)
Sources used: AP, dpa, CNN
