KEY POINTS:
It has been revealed that one of the people accused of abusing toddler Nia Glassie is a cousin of Once Were Warriors film actor Cliff Curtis.
Nia remains seriously ill in hospital with head and abdominal injuries as five people face charges over abuse that allegedly included spinning her on a clothesline and putting her in a tumble dryer.
William Curtis, 47, who is a first cousin of Cliff Curtis, and his sons, Nia's stepfather Wiremu, 17, and Michael, 21, have been charged over the abuse along with Oriwa Kemp, 17, and Michael Pearson, 19.
The Dominion Post newspaper reported today that the wider Curtis whanau are grappling with the backlash.
Kaumatua Toby Curtis said the Hollywood star, who played Uncle Bully in hit New Zealand film Once Were Warriors, would be "gutted" that his relatives were involved.
The actor is overseas at the moment but apparently aware of the allegations.
Mr Curtis said he felt both anger and shame when he heard about the abuse.
- NZPA
