Executive Summary: A Justin Bieber impersonator successfully deceived staff at a Las Vegas nightclub into allowing him to perform on stage, leading to a lifetime ban from the Wynn resort after the hoax was uncovered.
On Saturday night, August 17, 2025, an elaborate ruse unfolded at the XS Nightclub inside the Wynn Encore resort in Las Vegas. A man bearing a striking resemblance to pop star Justin Bieber, later identified as French national Dylan Desclos, arrived at the venue accompanied by a team posing as the singer’s entourage and security detail. The group managed to convince staff and the night’s headlining DJ, Gryffin, that they were in the presence of the real music icon.
The impersonator’s opportunity arose when DJ Gryffin was informed that “Justin Bieber” was in attendance and wanted to make a surprise appearance. Eager to accommodate the celebrity, Gryffin invited the impersonator into the DJ booth. Capitalizing on the moment, Desclos then took the stage in front of a packed crowd and performed several of Bieber’s hit songs, including “Sorry,” to the audience’s delight.
The deception was meticulously planned. Desclos and his team reportedly studied Bieber’s mannerisms and recent appearances to enhance the impersonation’s authenticity. Social media clips showed the man being escorted through the resort by his “security” team, stopping to take selfies with fans, further solidifying the illusion that the real Bieber was on the premises.
However, the performance was abruptly cut short when Wynn security personnel became suspicious and intervened. After verifying Desclos’s true identity, staff promptly ended the set and escorted him off the premises. Michael Weaver, a spokesperson for the Wynn, later confirmed that the impersonator had been removed from the property and issued a lifetime ban.
The aftermath of the incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many expressing amusement at the prank’s audacity while others raised concerns about security lapses at high-profile venues. DJ Gryffin shared his perspective on Instagram, recounting how he was initially convinced by the impersonator’s appearance and team, only to discover the truth after the performance.
In response to the incident, the Wynn released a statement attributing the security breach to “an elaborate and multi-step ruse” by Desclos and his advance team. The resort emphasized that the impersonator was granted stage access due to this deception and was immediately removed once the error was recognized. The statement also noted that the resort is reviewing its verification procedures for celebrity guests to prevent similar occurrences.
Looking ahead, the incident raises questions about celebrity culture and security in entertainment venues. While Desclos has not publicly commented on the ban, his social media history shows a pattern of public appearances as Bieber, suggesting the Las Vegas stunt was part of an ongoing performance art project. The Wynn’s implementation of enhanced security measures may set a precedent for other luxury resorts and nightclubs worldwide.