A Mescalero Apache family from New Mexico is seeking $325,000 in damages for a haircut given to an 8-year-old girl as part of the "Into the West" miniseries.

Christina Ponce was an extra for the TNT miniseries, parts of which were filmed in New Mexico. A stylist cut her hair without seeking her parent's permission, the lawsuit claims, in violation of Apache culture that bars girls from cutting their hair prior to their coming of age ceremony.

The lawsuit names Turner Films, the producer of the miniseries, and the unknown stylist. It was filed in federal court in Albuquerque.

Get the Story:
Mescalero family sues Spielberg production over girl's haircut (AP 3/17)
pwpwd

Relevant Links:
Into the West - http://alt.tnt.tv/itw

Related Stories:
Opinion: Indians took back seat for 'Into the West' (08/03)
TV Week: Indians cite mistreatment on 'West' (06/13)
Roundup: Praises and pans for 'Into the West' series (6/10)
Actress says being Native helped 'Into the West' (6/9)
Critic: 'Into the West' unlike anything you've seen (6/8)
'Into the West' mini-series debuts on Friday (6/6)
'Into the West' series to debut next week on TNT (5/31)