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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jessica Hill

Prosecutors say ‘Dances With Wolves’ actor used medicine man reputation to prey on Indigenous women and girls

Nathan Chasing Horse, center, confers with attorneys as he appears in court for his trial on charges of sexually abusing Indigenous women and girls Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Prosecutors say Nathan Chasing Horse used his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to prey on Indigenous women and girls and sexually assault them, while his defense attorney said during opening statements at his trial Tuesday that the former actor is being falsely accused.

Best known for portraying the character Smiles A Lot in the 1990 movie “Dances With Wolves,” Chasing Horse pleaded not guilty to 21 charges, including sexual assault and sexual assault of a minor.

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