Tourists Injured After Showgirl Dispute Turns Violent on Las Vegas Strip

Two tourists ended up injured after a $20 tip for photos with showgirls on the Las Vegas Strip allegedly sparked a violent brawl. One visitor was struck more than 22 times, and she took a hit in the head from a high-heeled boot. FOX 5 in Las Vegas says Jennifer Ortiz and Magdellena Romero were arrested following this Sept. 30 confrontation outside Planet Hollywood. Officers rushed to reports of a fight involving women dressed in showgirl costumes.

The trouble started when two visitors from North Carolina stopped to take pictures with three women dressed as showgirls for a small fee, according to an arrest report seen by the station. After paying $20, the tourists began walking away but Ortiz allegedly followed them and demanded between $60 and $180 for the same photos. Police stated Ortiz repeatedly struck one of the tourists before removing her white high-heeled boot and hitting the visitor in the forehead. That wound left a cut nearly 2 inches long. Investigators noted surveillance footage showed the victim was struck more than 22 times.

Separate video captures the chaotic scene where two showgirls fight with a man and a woman. One performer pulls the woman's hair and punches her in the face and body over and over. As the camera turns toward the man, he is shirtless with blood on his face and his shirt wrapped around his left hand. He approaches the showgirls while one continues attacking the woman.

The man shouts, "Hey! Get off her," before striking one of the showgirls and pushing another to the ground as he tries to stop the attack. A third showgirl appears nearby but does not appear to participate in the fight. FOX 5 reported that police said she tried to break up the confrontation. Both tourists were treated on site but declined to go to a hospital. They later provided written statements and asked that charges be filed.

The arrest report also detailed a separate complaint involving a man who claimed he was charged $218 for photos after agreeing to pay $60. The man told investigators he tapped his debit card against Ortiz's phone to complete the transaction but later discovered the higher charge. When he confronted the women, they allegedly provided a fake phone number to resolve the dispute. Ortiz told investigators one of the tourists became aggressive and struck her first. Romero claimed she stepped in when she saw her friend getting attacked.

Ortiz was charged with battery and obtaining money under false pretenses involving less than $1,200. Romero faces a battery charge. Both were booked into the Clark County Detention Center. FOX 5 also reported that Ortiz was under a court order to stay out of trouble after a similar confrontation at the Fremont Street Experience in March. Romero and Ortiz are scheduled to return to court Dec. 3.