What's happened
Chasing Horse, a Native American actor and spiritual leader, faces trial on 21 charges including sexual assault and child pornography. The case, which involves allegations of grooming and abuse over two decades, has seen delays and legal setbacks. Jury selection begins today in Nevada, with prosecutors calling 18 witnesses.
What's behind the headline?
The case against Chasing Horse exposes uncomfortable truths about violence within Native communities, challenging stereotypes that such issues are solely external. His prominence as a cultural figure complicates accountability, highlighting the need for internal conversations about Native perpetrators. The legal process underscores the importance of due process, with delays reflecting procedural challenges rather than guilt or innocence. The case may catalyze broader discussions on how Native communities confront abuse, emphasizing that violence is not only inflicted by outsiders but also from within. The outcome will likely influence future efforts to address and prevent abuse in indigenous contexts, with potential ripple effects on community trust and healing.
What the papers say
The Independent and AP News provide detailed accounts of the legal proceedings, emphasizing the complexity of prosecuting Native perpetrators and the cultural implications. The Independent highlights the cultural and community impact, quoting Crystal Lee on the importance of accountability within Native communities. AP News focuses on the legal timeline, including the procedural setbacks and new allegations, illustrating the case's significance in the broader context of justice for Native victims. Both sources underscore the importance of addressing internal violence and the challenges of holding influential figures accountable, with AP noting the upcoming jury selection and expected four-week trial.
How we got here
Chasing Horse, known for his role in 'Dances with Wolves,' proclaimed himself a Lakota medicine man and led a cult called The Circle. He was arrested in early 2023 amid allegations of exploiting followers, including minors, for sexual purposes. The case has faced legal hurdles, including the dismissal of initial charges in 2024 due to procedural issues, but new allegations, including recordings of abuse, led to refiled charges in October 2024. The trial is set for four weeks, amid ongoing questions about accountability within Native communities.
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