A Justin Bieber impersonator successfully deceived nightclub staff and a DJ in Las Vegas, performing on stage and running up a significant bar tab before being exposed and banned. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in celebrity security and the audacity of impersonators in entertainment settings.
Who: The impersonator is Dylan Desclos, a professional Justin Bieber look-alike who makes a living by mimicking the pop star. Desclos has built a career around his resemblance to Bieber, often engaging in stunts that blur the lines between reality and performance for attention or profit.
What: The event involved Desclos tricking the staff at XS Nightclub into believing he was the real Justin Bieber, allowing him to take the stage and perform the song “Sorry” during DJ Gryffin’s set. He managed to accumulate a bar tab of approximately $10,000 as part of the ruse, which included his “team” facilitating the deception.
When: The incident occurred on Saturday, August 16, 2025, as reported in the article published on August 19, 2025. The timing suggests it was a weekend event, likely during peak hours at the nightclub to maximize audience impact.
Where: The deception took place at XS Nightclub, located within the Wynn Las Vegas resort in Nevada. This upscale venue is known for hosting high-profile events and celebrities, making it a target for such impersonations due to its prestige and clientele.
Why: Desclos’s motivation appears to be rooted in his profession as an impersonator, seeking notoriety, social media attention, or financial gain through viral stunts. Impersonators often engage in such acts to boost their profiles, capitalize on celebrity culture, or simply for the thrill of deception.
How: The impersonation was executed through an “elaborate and multi-step ruse” where Desclos arrived shirtless with a group posing as his entourage, convincing DJ Gryffin and security that he was the genuine article. The dark, loud environment of the nightclub aided the deception, obscuring details that might have revealed his true identity. Gryffin initially had suspicions but was swayed by the convincing act and the context.
Impact: The immediate impact included Desclos being removed from the venue and subsequently banned for life from Wynn properties. The incident sparked online discussions, with many attendees expressing shock and amusement at being fooled. It also raised concerns about security protocols at high-end venues and the potential for similar incidents involving other celebrities.
What’s Next: Desclos is likely to face legal or financial repercussions for the unpaid bar tab, and his banning may limit future opportunities at major venues. However, as a professional impersonator, he might continue similar antics elsewhere, potentially leading to increased vigilance in the industry. This event could prompt nightclubs and event organizers to enhance verification processes to prevent future deceptions.
Source: https://www.thecut.com/article/justin-bieber-impersonator-dylan-desclos-wynn-las-vegas.html