Calls grow for a cover-up: Topless women in Times Square face clampdown

Topless women who pose for photos with tourists in New York’s Times Square are facing a crackdown after being accused of breaking the law. The desnudas, who wear little more than a thong and body paint, were said to be damaging the family-friendly image of the popular hub. Both the city mayor Bill de Blasio and governor Andrew Cuomo have pledged to tackle the issue. "I believe it’s illegal, I believe we can enforce the law and clean it up and we will,“ said Mr Cuomo. "It is a serious issue. This is starting to remind me of the bad old Times Square.”

I believe this activity is illegal. I believe it is infringing on legitimate businesses. I think it is infringing on the investment that the state and the city made in the 42nd Street area, and I think it has to be stopped.

Andrew Cuomo, NY governor

At least a dozen topless women usually turn up each day to pose with tourists in return for a generous tip but the furore has kept all but the most defiant away. Most are immigrants, watched by their shadowy minders who take a cut of their earnings. “Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion. If he (the mayor) wants us out of here, he can try it,” said Saira Nicole, one of the desnudas. It is unclear what the city can do as toplessness is legal in New York and the desnudas can claim protection as artists under the U.S. constitution. However, the city does have rules against aggressive begging. The backlash has seen America’s most famous naked fixture – the Naked Cowboy – strap on a stars and stripes bikini bra for the first time. "I’m trying to teach them all manners,“ said the performer, real name Robert Burck, a fixture in the square for 16 years.

We’re having fun. We’re entertainers. People love us. A woman’s body shouldn’t be a sexual thing. A child should not grow up thinking that a woman’s body is something purely sexual.

Angel, one of the desnudas

Americas topless times square