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Dancer sues topless club, alleges wage violations

Attorneys for an exotic dancer filed a lawsuit late Monday against the Sapphire Gentlemen's Club over allegations of unpaid wages and violations of state wage and hour laws.

"The case centers on the obligation of Sapphire to pay no less than the minimum wage established by Nevada law to the exotic dancers it employs," said a news release from attorneys Thomas Christensen and Ryan Anderson, who represent dancer Zuri-Kinshasa Maria Terry.


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  • The lawsuit, filed in Clark County District Court, contends that Sapphire also requires dancers to pay fees for the "privilege" of performing in the club. Many of the estimated 10,000 strippers in Las Vegas pay such fees and sign agreements classifying themselves as independent contractors. They receive no pay or benefits and earn only tips.

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    Sterling wrote on November 06, 2009 09:10 AM: I don't think the issue is so much the house fee but the fact that Sapphire runs its club basically, "any damn way they feel like" and think they are above the laws set up for entertainers. This club is giving other clubs a bad name. I hope vice visits them soon and cracks down on their so called "VIP SKY BOXES" because that is were the real "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" got started but you are going to pay or get bullied to pay for more than you asked for. This dancer might have a point and I hope she wins her case.


    red_head dollar bill wrote on November 04, 2009 12:28 PM: is this the same dancer that slipped on the pole,hit her head and got a "neck fracture" and filed for workwomens comp payments??!?


    Anna J Feline Cat wrote on November 03, 2009 05:52 PM: I am a topless cat and I dont get paid


    Anna J Cat wrote on November 03, 2009 05:50 PM: I'm Anna, a Topless Cat, and I dont get paid anything.


    Allen wrote on November 03, 2009 05:32 PM: You guys are missing the point. The dancer is arguing that she is not an independent contractor, she is an employee, and thus she is entitled to at least the minimum wage. Depending on just how much the club controls her actions, she might be right.

    It's not a frivolous suit.


    2zero wrote on November 03, 2009 05:16 PM: The mormon lawyer representing the strippers has worked out a fee for traded services.


    Matt wrote on November 03, 2009 03:23 PM: to "serious"

    K-Mart advertises, provides lockers and doesn't charge their employees a fee to work there. Those clubs rake in millions and whine like babies when someone tries to stand up for their rights. can you say Crazy Horse? Glad that place got it's ass kicked. They should be next. Imagine, taking advantage of a poor, defenseless woman. How are they supposed to pay for all that silicone? Give 'em a break.


    hmmm wrote on November 03, 2009 12:21 PM: It's not the clubs fault she was ugly and nobody wanted her


    paula_nurse_altrus_ca wrote on November 03, 2009 12:08 PM: i here the taxi cab companies are still looking for a few good drivers.....may have to buy shirt thought.


    David wrote on November 03, 2009 11:33 AM: Sounds like the strip club operates like a swap meet.
    The swap meet vendors who show up and sell crap out of the back of their car pay for that right and do not expect or ask the swap meet to pay them.
    Zuri-Kinshasa Maria Terry (some name, huh?) needs to just keeping selling the junk from her trunk and stop trying to sue.


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