A professional Justin Bieber lookalike has been permanently exiled from the glittering casinos and hotels of Las Vegas after orchestrating a shameless ticket con that duped countless fans.
The impersonator, whose real name is Justin Drew, was arrested this week on charges of fraud and obtaining money under false pretences. The elaborate scam saw him posing as the global pop sensation to sell non-existent tickets to his own tribute shows.
In a decisive move, MGM Resorts International issued a sweeping lifetime ban, prohibiting the 33-year-old from setting foot in any of their iconic Vegas properties, which include world-famous venues like the MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and The Bellagio.
The Elaborate Con Exposed
Drew's scheme unravelled when furious fans, who had paid up to $100 for tickets, arrived at the venue only to discover the show did not exist. One victim, who handed over $400 for tickets for her and her children, expressed her heartbreak and anger, stating the children were left "in tears".
Rather than performing, the impersonator was apprehended by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and now faces serious legal consequences for his actions.
A History of Deception
This is not the first time the impersonator has courted controversy. His career as a Bieber doppelgänger has been marred by erratic behaviour and previous allegations of scamming fans, tarnishing the reputation of tribute acts in the entertainment capital of the world.
The lifetime ban from MGM Resorts serves as a stark warning to others who might seek to exploit the trust of fans for personal gain on the famous Las Vegas Strip.
