LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Showgirl impersonators on the Las Vegas Strip say they want to share their perspective after videos circulated showing fights involving tourists on the Las Vegas Strip.
The videos include one from last month in which a performer was cited for battery after pushing a woman to the ground. The woman said the performer stole $150 from her.
Several showgirls contacted FOX5 after recent coverage of the fights, with concerns that changes need to be made on the Strip to keep both performers and visitors safer.
MORE ON FOX5: Arrest report: $20 tip leads to brawl involving showgirl impersonators on Las Vegas Strip
Performer describes impact of videos
Jeri Bartold said she has given visitors the Las Vegas experience as a feather girl for 10 years. She said feather girls like her are now coming under fire for videos showing tourists assaulted over tips.
“I’ve had people come up to me. I’m like, you guys ready for a photo?” Bartold said. “And they’ll say, ‘Oh my God, don’t hit me.’ I’m like, ‘I promise you I’m not going to hit you.’”
Tips and requirements
Bartold said each performer has a spiel for tips and works toward a goal, knowing they must pay a company a percentage for costumes and commission.
“Honestly, when I take photos, I just say it’s tip-based,” Bartold said. “Just be as generous as possible.”
Bartold said there should be more requirements for performers.
“It’s the young ones. They drink,” Bartold said. “A lot of the bars, being street performers, they don’t really ask us because they automatically assume we’re 21 plus. I feel like it’s the young ones in this industry that are the ones causing problems. With that being said, I feel like Vegas should have at least an age limit.”
Safety concerns
Many feather girls interviewed said they are single mothers working to provide for their families and worry about the impact the videos could have.
Bartold said the industry is not as glamorous as it may look.
“We’ve been attacked multiple times. We’ve been sexually assaulted,” Bartold said. “I feel like there should be more people that look after us as street performers, you know?”
The showgirls said they hope people who are assaulted or scammed by performers report them to the police.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
