Mayor de Blasio Vows To Stop Naked Times Square Street Performers

Mayor Bill de Blasio is vowing to crack down on a group of topless, painted woman who solicit for tips in Times Square. The woman call themselves desnudas, which is Spanish for 'naked'. They're often seen all over Times Square, posing for pictures in exchange for tips.

Now the Mayor wants it to stop

It’s wrong, it’s wrong. It’s just — look I, as a progressive who believes in civil liberties and believes in our First Amendment, I understand the legal challenge here. But I don’t think that’s the end of the discussion.

This situation is going to change. This is what I’ll guarantee you, I’m not going to tolerate it. I’m not satisfied that we have used every tool in our arsenal yet.

 

CBS New York says that while toplessness is not illegal in New York, aggressive panhandling and aggressive solicitation are. Several city agencies, the NYPD, and consumer affairs are now examining what de Blasio has described as the business component of the situation in Times Square.