Catfighting castmates of TLC’s L.V.-based ‘Sin City Rules’ are criticized

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Alicia Jacobs is flanked by Chippendales dancers Gavin McHale, Nathan Minor, John Rivera and Sami Eskelin at the “Sin City Rules” red carpet at the Venetian on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012.

By Robin Leach (contact)

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012 | 11:58 p.m.

TLC’s new reality TV show “Sin City Rules,” filmed here in Las Vegas and which debuted Sunday, has elicited harsh reviews from critics, disdain and scorn, and ratings, not yet official, appear to be disastrous.

The show didn’t even register in Zap It’s By the Numbers Nielsen 100 list, and, as best can be ascertained, only 3,500 homes tuned into “SCR” in Las Vegas. Nationally, the inside word was that it registered just as lowly -- not even scoring a 1.0 rating point -- sandwiched in between two episodes of the network’s hit “Sister Wives.” I’ll report the official numbers when they’re released.

A person associated with the show messaged me wondering if it would last for the full six-episode run. I was inundated with text messages and tweets with damning reactions to the segments. Most attacked the women for ridiculously claiming to be power people of Las Vegas and fashion designer and Ukrainian immigrant Lana Fuchs for her “I Am God” remarks at a local charity event.

Even at the Bunny Ranch brothel, the working girls reportedly tuned it out in disgust, saying they were more honest in their profession than the women onscreen!

Local entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs, who appears in “SCR,” took to her Facebook pages to blast its content: “The first episode of ‘Sin City Rules’ is now behind us, as is a great deal of media attention. I sincerely hope that the coverage succeeds in setting the record straight about mistruths and loads of mean girl behavior on the show.

“I have been barraged by viewers who watched -- people in and outside Las Vegas -- who can’t believe that anyone would behave so disgustingly, let alone grown women. Many people are very fairly asking why I agreed to participate in a reality show ... didn’t I expect things would get out of hand? Quite simply, no. I most definitely did NOT expect so much bad behavior.

Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Alicia Jacobs and Sparkle at the grand opening of Wayne Newton's Once Before I Go at the Tropicana on Oct. 28, 2009.

“Before signing on, my concerns were that Las Vegas be presented in the amazing light it deserves and that the women chosen for the show would represent themselves and our city with class and dignity.

“Well, after seeing Episode 1, I must say that many of my worst fears were realized. While I am proud of my own behavior, I was appalled by some of the things I watched unfold. I guarantee, every single insult and accusation thrown at me will be proven completely FALSE! For those wondering, there is no script here, it is REAL ... each cast mate is responsible for her own actions.

“ ‘Sin City Rules’ focuses on five ‘powerful’ women. I’ve always believed that true power is earned and achieved, NOT assumed. Ask yourself this question: Could you ever imagine three of Las Vegas’ truly powerful women -- Elaine Wynn, Kathleen Newton and Mayor Carolyn Goodman -- sitting around a lunch table playing with a lizard doll in a blonde wig? NEVER!!!”

In fact, Carolyn told me, at the Spago 20th anniversary party Tuesday night, of the show: “My eyes bugged out.” “SCR” also features Amy Hanley, daughter of well-known Mafia boss Tom Hanley; professional poker player Jennifer Harman; and Lori Montoya, the owner of Rain Cosmetics.

Alicia’s Facebook friends attacked the show with their comments: “Those who think they have power actually have none. … Their behavior was appalling -- the girls were shallow, ruthless, catty bitches, just awful. … Whoever wears fur in the desert and calls herself God -- ugh! ... My husband was disgusted by most of the women, and I was shocked by the classless behavior that did not reflect well on our wonderful city.”

Episode 2 airs this Sunday. Expect more bad behavior that absolutely doesn’t represent the real power women of our city.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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