Britney copycat: TSA was a drag
A Britney Spears drag star contends the Transportation Security Administration is guilty of a double standard: Why were his silicone chicken cutlet breast enhancers a screening issue when women routinely "roll through airports with them?"
Derrick Barry said he was turned away at McCarran International Airport on Friday because the cutlets exceeded TSA's liquid limit of 3.4 ounces for most carry-on items.
"Would this happen if I were dressed as Britney Spears?" asked Barry, a featured star in Frank Marino's "Divas Las Vegas" at Imperial Palace. He was not in drag at the airport.
Barry said he was bounced back and forth and held up for an hour over the issue and nearly missed his flight to Tampa, Fla., where he had a gig Friday night.
"I'm not a terrorist threat by having silicone cutlets in my carry-on baggage," he said. "If a woman walks through if they are on her carry-on or bra, she goes right through."
"If women are allowed, men should be allowed," he added, and he plans to fight it. "It's a case of harassment and discrimination. Somebody feeling like they have power."
That it happened in Las Vegas, said Barry, is "disturbing because it's a city known for its cleavage."
Which brings up another touchy subject: What about silicone implants in males?
"I've gone through with my fake butt and my fake boobs and never had a problem," said Barry's boss Marino, a Las Vegas drag icon for almost 30 years in "La Cage" and "Divas Las Vegas."
"Next time he travels," Marino said , "he should go through in drag and when he goes through the electronic X-ray machine, oh those eyes, those thighs and a little surprise. That would get 'em back."
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Soap opera star Hunter Tylo will be making Monday a special day for current and former residents of Living Grace Home, a residential home in Henderson for young pregnant women in need. She's hosting a professional makeover day. She'll be joined by makeup and hair professionals from the set of the "Bold and the Beautiful." Tylo, a longtime Las Vegas resident, has portrayed Dr. Taylor Hayes-Forrester on the show for the last 23 years.
SIGHTINGS
Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and CNN talk show host Piers Morgan on the red carpet with Mike Tyson at media night for Tyson's one-man show "Undisputed Truth -- Live On Stage" at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre Saturday. At Friday's opening of Tyson's show were: Flavor Flav, Rick Reilly of ESPN and Frank Marino. ... Heidi Klum, applauding a friend who joined "Thunder From Down Under" onstage during the late show at Excalibur on Friday. ... Paula Abdul, shopping for shoes at Paradisio (MGM Grand) on Saturday. Klum was in Friday. ... At Tao (The Venetian) on Friday: Singer Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, with a bachelor party , and at another table: actor Joe Mazzello and producer Bryan Singer. ... At Marquee (Cosmopolitan) on Friday: Ryan O'Byrne of the Colorado Avalanche. ... Comedian Jay Leno, with friends on Friday at The Mirage checking out the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus. It's a nonprofit mobile recording studio and HD production facility that travels the country year-round providing students of all ages with hands-on multimedia experiences. ... Kevin Sorbo, best known for his starring role in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," taking in the early performance of "KÀ" (MGM Grand) on Friday. He was in town with his wife, Sam, to celebrate the 80th birthday of his mother, Ardis.
THE PUNCH LINE
"In an interview, once again President Obama called Kanye West a jackass. In other words, President Obama's finally found an issue that can bring this country together." -- Conan O'Brien
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
