A $20 tip for photographs with women dressed as Las Vegas showgirls allegedly escalated into a violent confrontation outside Planet Hollywood on Sept. 30. Two tourists from North Carolina were injured, including one who police said was struck more than 22 times and hit in the forehead with a high-heeled boot. Jennifer Ortiz and Magdellena Romero were arrested in connection with the fight. Both tourists were treated at the scene and later requested that charges be filed.
| 1) | Dispute begins over a photo tip |
| 2) | Police describe the alleged assault |
| 3) | Video shows tourists intervening |
| 4) | Separate payment complaint emerges |
| 5) | Arrests and court proceedings follow |
Dispute begins over a photo tip
The confrontation involved two visitors from North Carolina and three women dressed as showgirls on the Las Vegas Strip. According to an arrest report, the tourists stopped outside Planet Hollywood to take photographs and paid $20 in tips. The incident occurred on Sept. 30, when police responded to reports of a fight involving women in showgirl costumes.
Investigators said the tourists began walking away after making the payment. Ortiz allegedly followed them and demanded between $60 and $180 for the photographs. The disagreement over the requested amount reportedly became the immediate cause of the physical confrontation.
Police describe the alleged assault
Police said Ortiz repeatedly struck one of the tourists during the fight. Investigators alleged that she then removed a white high-heeled boot and hit the visitor in the forehead, causing a cut nearly two inches long. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators reportedly showed the victim being struck more than 22 times.
A second tourist was also injured in the confrontation. Both visitors received treatment at the scene but declined transportation to a hospital. They later submitted written statements and asked authorities to pursue criminal charges. The allegations remain matters for the court.
Video shows tourists intervening
Separate video of the incident showed two women dressed as showgirls fighting with a man and a woman. One performer appeared to pull the female tourist’s hair and repeatedly punch her in the face and body. The man was shown without a shirt, with blood on his face and his shirt wrapped around his left hand.
The man then approached the performers as the assault continued. He appeared to strike one showgirl and push another to the ground while attempting to stop the attack.
“Hey! Get off her,” the man shouted during the confrontation.
A third showgirl was visible nearby but did not appear to participate. Police said she tried to break up the fight. Ortiz told investigators that one of the tourists became aggressive and struck her first, while Romero said she intervened after seeing her friend being attacked.
Separate payment complaint emerges
The arrest report also described a separate complaint involving a man who said he was charged $218 for photographs after agreeing to pay $60. He told investigators that he tapped his debit card against Ortiz’s phone to complete the transaction and later discovered that the larger amount had been charged.
The man said he confronted the women about the payment and was given a phone number that he later described to investigators as fake. The complaint formed part of the allegations involving Ortiz and the collection of money under false pretenses. The available account does not establish the outcome of that payment dispute.
Arrests and court proceedings follow
Jennifer Ortiz was charged with battery and obtaining money under false pretenses involving less than $1,200. Magdellena Romero faces a battery charge. Both women were booked into the Clark County Detention Center after the incident outside Planet Hollywood.
Authorities also reported that Ortiz was under a court order to stay out of trouble following a similar confrontation at the Fremont Street Experience in March. Ortiz and Romero are scheduled to return to court on Dec. 3. The proceedings will address the allegations, the reported injuries and the separate payment complaint.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The dispute began after tourists paid $20 for photographs with showgirls. |
| 2 | One tourist was allegedly hit more than 22 times and struck with a high-heeled boot. |
| 3 | Two tourists were treated at the scene and declined hospital transport. |
| 4 | Ortiz and Romero were arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center. |
| 5 | Both defendants are scheduled to return to court on Dec. 3. |
Summary
The Las Vegas confrontation illustrates how a disagreement over photo pricing allegedly developed into a physical fight involving tourists and women dressed as showgirls. Police arrested Jennifer Ortiz and Magdellena Romero after reviewing witness accounts and video related to the Sept. 30 incident. The criminal allegations, including the reported assault and a separate payment dispute, will proceed through the Clark County court system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What started the Las Vegas fight?
The fight allegedly began after two tourists paid $20 for photographs with women dressed as showgirls and were later asked for a substantially higher amount.
Who was arrested?
Jennifer Ortiz and Magdellena Romero were arrested. Ortiz faces battery and an allegation involving obtaining money under false pretenses, while Romero faces a battery charge.
Were the tourists hospitalized?
No. Both tourists were treated at the scene and declined to go to a hospital. They later provided written statements and requested that charges be filed.
When are the defendants due back in court?
Ortiz and Romero are scheduled to return to court on Dec. 3.
