Two women dressed as Las Vegas showgirls have been arrested after an alleged altercation with tourists over a tip for photographs outside the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
Jennifer Ortiz and Magdellena Romero were taken into custody following the incident, which reportedly began after a couple from North Carolina paid $20 (£15) for photos with three women wearing feathered showgirl costumes.
Alleged Assault Details
According to an arrest report obtained by local outlet FOX5 Vegas, Ortiz allegedly continued to follow the tourists and demanded a larger fee. The situation escalated into a physical fight, during which one of the tourists sustained an injury to the face.
The report states that Ortiz struck the male tourist more than 22 times, including with her white high-heeled boot, leaving him with a two-inch cut across his forehead. Romero is also alleged to have tackled the female tourist, pulled her hair, and repeatedly punched her in the face and head.
The male tourist, who lost his shirt during the melee, reportedly charged towards the women in an attempt to protect his partner before being attacked again.
Arrests and Charges
Both tourists were treated at the scene but declined to go to hospital. They later gave statements to police and requested charges.
Ortiz was arrested on suspicion of battery and obtaining money under false pretences, while Romero was arrested on suspicion of battery. A third woman dressed as a showgirl was not charged after police said she had attempted to break up the fight rather than joining in.
Both arrested women disputed the tourists' version of events. Ortiz claimed she had been struck first, and Romero insisted she had stepped in to defend her friend.
County Response and Signage
In response to the incident, Clark County has installed prominent informational signs along busy stretches of the Strip to make clear that visitors are under no obligation to tip street performers or character impersonators for pictures.
The signs state: “When watching performances or taking a photo, Tipping is NOT Required” and also tell tourists that “If you feel harassed, look for a nearby police officer, or call 911.”
Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft pushed for the campaign after complaints about performers and photographers demanding payment, including incidents around the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Naft said in a statement: “I think where I get really angry is when this crosses a line between people out there trying to earn a buck voluntarily and then crossing that line to being rude, demanding, unfriendly to anyone, but especially visitors here.”
Ortiz and Romero are scheduled to return to court for a status hearing on December 3.
