A $20 tip for taking photos with Las Vegas showgirls allegedly escalated into a violent fight that injured two tourists. One victim was reportedly struck more than 22 times and hit in the head with a high-heeled boot.
Jennifer Ortiz and Magdellena Romero were arrested following the Sept. 30 confrontation outside Planet Hollywood, FOX 5 Las Vegas reported. Police were called to the scene after receiving reports of a fight involving women wearing showgirl costumes.
According to an arrest report reviewed by the station, two tourists from North Carolina had stopped to take pictures with three showgirls and agreed to provide a tip.
CUSTOMERS HIT WITH AUTOMATIC 20% GRATUITIES AS RESTAURANTS COMBAT TIPPING CONFUSION
After the tourists paid $20 and began walking away, Ortiz allegedly followed them and demanded an additional amount ranging from $60 to $180 for the photos.
A shirtless man walks away from a woman dressed as a showgirl during a confrontation on the Las Vegas Strip on Sept. 30, 2026. Two women were arrested after police said a dispute over a $20 tip turned violent. (Credit: TMZ)
Police allege Ortiz repeatedly hit one of the tourists, then removed her white high-heeled boot and struck the woman in the forehead. The blow caused a cut nearly 2 inches long, and investigators said surveillance video captured more than 22 strikes against the victim.
Separate footage of the chaotic scene shows two showgirls fighting a man and a woman. One performer appears to pull the woman’s hair while repeatedly punching her in the face and body.
When the camera turns toward the man, he is shirtless, has blood on his face and has wrapped his shirt around his left hand. He then moves toward the showgirls while one continues attacking the woman.
“Hey! Get off her,” the man shouts before hitting one of the showgirls and pushing another to the ground as he attempts to stop the assault.
A third showgirl is visible nearby but does not appear to join the fight. FOX 5 reported that police said she attempted to break up the confrontation.
NEXT UP: Man Smirks After Allegedly Pushing Girlfriend, Baby From Balcony
A shirtless man confronts a woman dressed as a showgirl during a brawl outside Planet Hollywood on the Las Vegas Strip on Sept. 30, 2026. Police said two tourists were injured during the confrontation. (Credit: TMZ)
Both tourists received treatment at the scene but declined transportation to a hospital. They later submitted written statements and requested that charges be pursued.
The arrest report also described a separate complaint from a man who said 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 pay. He later discovered the larger charge and said that, when he confronted the women, they allegedly gave him a fake phone number to address the issue.
Ortiz told investigators that one of the tourists became aggressive and hit her first. Romero said she intervened after seeing her friend under attack.
A woman dressed as a showgirl appears to pull another woman’s hair during a violent confrontation on the Las Vegas Strip on Sept. 30, 2026. Two showgirls were arrested following the fight, which police said began over a $20 tip. (Credit: TMZ)
Ortiz faces charges of battery and obtaining money under false pretenses involving less than $1,200. Romero was charged with battery. Both women were booked into the Clark County Detention Center.
FOX 5 also reported that Ortiz was under a court order to avoid further trouble after a similar confrontation at the Fremont Street Experience in March.
Romero and Ortiz are scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 3.
MORE STORY: Neighbours near Australian fitness personality Sam Wood’s $3,000-a-night Noosa villa speak out
