Nathan Chasing Horse Removed from Court Amidst Sexual Abuse Trial
Nathan Chasing Horse, a former actor known for his role in the 1990 film “Dances with Wolves,” was temporarily removed from court on Monday after disrupting proceedings with demands to fire his defense attorney. The incident occurred just a week before his jury trial is set to begin. Judge Jessica Peterson in Las Vegas ordered the trial to proceed as planned, despite Chasing Horse’s outburst.
Chasing Horse has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges, including allegations of sexual assault against women and girls, as well as filming himself sexually abusing a girl under the age of 14. Prosecutors claim that he used his reputation as a spiritual leader and healer to exploit Native American women and girls over a period of two decades. Chasing Horse’s defense attorney, Craig Mueller, assured the court that his client was ready for trial, but Chasing Horse disagreed, citing a lack of communication and visits from his attorney.
Background and Allegations
Chasing Horse, born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, rose to fame with his portrayal of Smiles A Lot in “Dances with Wolves.” After his acting career, he began presenting himself as a self-proclaimed Lakota medicine man, performing healing ceremonies across North America. However, prosecutors allege that he used this position to abuse and exploit his followers, including women and girls who came to him for medical help. One of his alleged victims, Janessa Lambert, shared her story with CBS affiliate KLAS-TV, describing how Chasing Horse sexually assaulted her in her British Columbia home in 2018.
Lambert reported the incident to the police in 2022, but the officer was initially skeptical and told her that unless Chasing Horse returned to Canada, there was little that could be done. Despite the challenges, Lambert felt a sense of relief and accomplishment after reporting the incident, saying, “I remember feeling so defeated but happy that I did my part.”
Trial and Investigation
The case against Chasing Horse has sent shockwaves across Indian Country, with many expressing outrage and concern over the allegations. The original indictment was dismissed in 2024 due to procedural issues, but a new indictment was brought later that year. Prosecutors claim that Chasing Horse led a cult-like group called The Circle, where his followers believed he could communicate with spirits. The trial is expected to last three weeks and will begin next Monday.
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