(WWJ) A local woman says some exotic dancers are defying the governor's stay-home order in order to make a living.
After video of a stripper party in Chicago went viral, WWJ Newsradio 950's Vickie Thomas spoke with a Detroiter acquainted with local strippers — who says it's happening here, too.
Brianna, who did not want her last name published, said Detroit-area strippers are performing at house parties as a way to make up for lost income with gentleman's clubs closed due to COVID-19.
"I don't understand the thinking of if I just make them wash their hands and bring them down, then I'm safe," Brianna said. "It's like you're playing Russian roulette with your life...and that's what a lot of people are dealing with right now, you know?"
Brianna said she knows of people hosting parties with multiple guest on hand to watch the dancers.
"They are having group parties; they are having group parties with more than ten," Brianna said. "I saw a party here in the city and it had like maybe 40 people in a room."
Thomas reported some exotic dancers are struggling to get by as they have trouble qualifying for unemployment benefits. The dancers declined to speak to Thomas for this story.
While exotic dancing is not explicitly outlawed under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order; any gatherings of any number of people outside the same household are banned. The order — which shut down bars, clubs and other entertainment venues statewide — excludes only a few types of businesses, such as hospitals and grocery stores deemed essential to life.
This comes as the Detroit has reached the grim milestone of more than 1,000 deaths linked to the coronavirus. As of last official count by the health department, there have been 8,957 cases confirmed in the city.
Gov. Whitmer's latest stay-home order is set to expire on May 15.