On August 16, 2025, the XS Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas buzzed with excitement as DJ Gryffin hyped up the crowd, shouting, “Bieber in the house, y’all!” The audience erupted, phones flashing, as a shirtless, tattooed figure strutted across the stage, belting out Justin Bieber’s hit “Sorry.” For a few electric minutes, everyone believed they were witnessing a surprise performance by the pop icon himself. But the truth? It was all a ruse—an elaborate stunt pulled off by a Justin Bieber impersonator named Dylan Desclos, who fooled the DJ, the club staff, and a packed house of partygoers. This is the story of how one bold lookalike turned a Las Vegas nightclub into the stage for “Biebergate2025.”
The Setup: A Night at XS Nightclub
The XS Nightclub, a crown jewel of Las Vegas nightlife, is no stranger to celebrity appearances. Known for its lavish atmosphere and top-tier DJs, it’s the kind of place where a surprise performance by a star like Justin Bieber seems plausible. On that fateful Saturday night, DJ Gryffin was spinning tracks when he was approached with an irresistible pitch: Justin Bieber was in the house and wanted to perform.
Gryffin, a San Francisco-born DJ known for hits like “Feel Good,” was thrilled. The prospect of sharing the stage with a global superstar was a career highlight. The impersonator, backed by a convincing entourage posing as Bieber’s security and management, sold the story with confidence. The dark venue and pounding music only added to the illusion, masking any subtle clues that might have given the game away.
Who Is Dylan Desclos?
Dylan Desclos, a 29-year-old from Normandy, France, isn’t just a casual impersonator—he’s a professional who’s been emulating Justin Bieber for nearly eight years. With a buzzed haircut, meticulously replicated tattoos, and a wardrobe straight out of Bieber’s closet, Desclos has built a career out of looking and sounding like the “Peaches” singer. His resemblance is so uncanny that even Hailey Bieber once commented on a viral video of Desclos, saying she was “scared” by how convincing he was.
Desclos doesn’t just rely on looks. He’s mastered Bieber’s mannerisms, stage presence, and vocal style, making him a sought-after performer for events and private gigs. His social media, though recently taken down after the Vegas incident, showcased his “world tour” as Bieber, complete with fan selfies and staged appearances at high-profile venues.
Why Impersonators Thrive in Vegas
Las Vegas is a playground for spectacle, where larger-than-life personas and over-the-top performances are part of the city’s DNA. Impersonators of Elvis, Madonna, and now Justin Bieber have long capitalized on this appetite for celebrity encounters, making Desclos’ stunt a perfect fit for Sin City’s vibe.
The Performance: How “Bustin Jieber” Fooled Everyone
The ruse was a masterclass in deception. Desclos and his team reportedly spent the entire day laying the groundwork, invoking Bieber’s recent change in management to explain any discrepancies. “We’re new to the team,” they told skeptical staff, smoothing over doubts. By the time Desclos hit the stage, the crowd was primed for a celebrity moment.
The Moment of Truth
For four minutes and 27 seconds, Desclos owned the stage, lip-syncing to “Sorry” with a confidence that had the audience screaming. Gryffin, caught up in the moment, hyped the crowd, unaware he was sharing the spotlight with a fake. The impersonator’s tattoos—identical to Bieber’s—gleamed under the club’s lights, and his sunglasses and hoodie mirrored the star’s recent style. To the untrained eye, it was Bieber in the flesh.
The Aftermath: A $10,000 Bar Tab and a Lifetime Ban
The illusion didn’t last. After his performance, Wynn staff realized the error and swiftly escorted Desclos out, banning him from the property for life. Reports also surfaced that his entourage racked up a $10,000 bar tab on bottle service, which Desclos paid before leaving. The incident, dubbed “Biebergate2025” by Gryffin, sparked a mix of amusement and outrage online.
The Anatomy of the Deception
How did Desclos pull it off? The stunt was no spur-of-the-moment prank—it was a calculated operation. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- The Look: Desclos’ physical resemblance to Bieber, down to the tattoos and buzz cut, was the foundation of the ruse.
- The Entourage: A team posing as Bieber’s security and management lent credibility, convincing staff they were dealing with the real deal.
- The Timing: Bieber’s recent album release, SWAG, made a surprise appearance seem plausible, especially in a city like Vegas.
- The Venue: XS Nightclub’s dark, loud environment masked any minor flaws in Desclos’ act, allowing him to blend in seamlessly.
Comparison: Real Bieber vs. Dylan Desclos
| Aspect | Justin Bieber | Dylan Desclos |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 31 (born March 1, 1994) | 29 (born ~1996) |
| Profession | Pop star, Grammy winner | Professional impersonator |
| Tattoos | Extensive, iconic designs | Replicated to match Bieber’s |
| Recent Activity | Released SWAG (July 2025) | Performed at XS Nightclub (Aug 2025) |
| Public Reaction | Global fanbase, mixed media coverage | Viral attention, banned from Wynn |
The Fallout: Reactions and Consequences
The incident set social media ablaze. Gryffin took to Instagram, posting a video titled “how bustin jeiber duped me during my own set,” complete with a dramatic record-scratch sound effect. He captioned it “biebergate2025,” poking fun at his own gullibility. Fellow DJs Zedd and Kygo chimed in with laughing emojis, while fans were split—some found it hilarious, others called it “psychotic.”
Wynn’s Response
Wynn Las Vegas issued a stern statement: “After an elaborate and multi-step ruse by him and his advance team, a Justin Bieber impersonator was granted access to the XS stage. As soon as the error was recognized, he was removed from the resort and denied future entry.” The lifetime ban underscored the seriousness of the breach, especially given the $10,000 tab.
Desclos’ Defense
Desclos’ manager, Julien Colas, defended the impersonator in a statement to USA TODAY: “We did many performances as an impersonator. What have we to gain by saying we are the real one? That’s not our way to work. It’s a job.” Desclos himself claimed he never explicitly said he was Bieber, blaming his team for the misunderstanding. Still, the backlash was swift, with one fan on social media slamming him for “trying to scam $10,000 worth of bottles off a casino.”
Why This Matters: The Power of Celebrity Culture
The “Biebergate2025” saga isn’t just a funny anecdote—it’s a window into our obsession with celebrity. In an era where social media amplifies fame, impersonators like Desclos exploit the blurred lines between reality and performance. Vegas, with its appetite for spectacle, was the perfect stage for such a stunt. But it also raises questions about security, authenticity, and the lengths people go to for a brush with stardom.
The Psychology of Impersonation
Impersonators tap into a universal desire: to be someone else, even for a moment. For Desclos, it’s a career, but for fans, it’s a chance to feel close to their idol. The fact that he fooled a seasoned DJ and a high-end venue shows how easily we project our expectations onto a convincing facade.
Pros and Cons of Celebrity Impersonation
Pros:
- Provides entertainment and nostalgia for fans.
- Creates unique experiences at events and venues.
- Offers a lucrative career for skilled performers.
Cons:
- Risks deception and fraud, as seen in Vegas.
- Can erode trust in venues and event organizers.
- May exploit fans’ emotions and expectations.
How to Spot a Celebrity Impersonator
If you’re at a club and think you’ve spotted a star, here are some tips to avoid being duped:
- Check the Context: Is it realistic for a global superstar to make an unannounced appearance at a nightclub?
- Look for Official Cues: Real celebrities often have verified social media posts or publicist announcements about their appearances.
- Trust Your Gut: If the entourage looks more like a group of Gen Z friends than a professional security team, something might be off.
Where to Hire Legitimate Impersonators
If you’re planning an event and want a Bieber-esque vibe without the drama, consider reputable agencies like:
- Tribute Productions: Specializes in celebrity lookalikes for corporate events.
- Lookalikes USA: Offers vetted performers with transparent booking processes.
- GigSalad: A platform connecting event planners with professional impersonators.
Always verify the performer’s credentials and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Who was the Justin Bieber impersonator in Las Vegas?
The impersonator was Dylan Desclos, a 29-year-old from France who has been mimicking Bieber for eight years. He fooled DJ Gryffin and XS Nightclub staff with his convincing look and entourage.
Did the impersonator get paid for the performance?
No, Desclos wasn’t paid for the performance, but he reportedly racked up a $10,000 bar tab, which he paid before being escorted out of the Wynn.
Why was the impersonator banned from Wynn Las Vegas?
Wynn banned Desclos for life after he and his team used an “elaborate ruse” to gain stage access, deceiving staff and DJ Gryffin. The venue cited security concerns.
Has Justin Bieber commented on the incident?
As of August 23, 2025, Justin Bieber has not publicly commented on the incident. His recent focus has been on promoting his album SWAG.
The Bigger Picture: Security and Trust in Nightlife
The Vegas incident highlights a vulnerability in high-profile venues. Nightclubs like XS rely on quick decisions in chaotic environments, making them ripe for deception. While Desclos’ stunt was relatively harmless, it raises questions about what could happen if someone with worse intentions exploited similar gaps. Venues may need to tighten security protocols, like verifying celebrity identities through official channels.
Lessons for Event Organizers
- Vet Guests Thoroughly: Always confirm celebrity appearances with their management or publicist.
- Train Staff: Equip teams to spot red flags, like inconsistent entourages or last-minute requests.
- Use Technology: Implement digital verification tools, like QR codes or encrypted passes, for VIP access.
FAQ
How did the Justin Bieber impersonator get on stage?
Dylan Desclos, posing as Bieber, used a fake entourage claiming to be his new management team. They convinced DJ Gryffin and XS Nightclub staff that “Bieber” wanted to perform “Sorry,” exploiting the venue’s dark, loud environment.
Was the impersonator’s performance convincing?
Yes, Desclos’ performance was so convincing that the crowd and Gryffin believed he was Bieber for over four minutes. His tattoos, style, and stage presence mimicked the pop star perfectly.
What happened to Dylan Desclos after the incident?
Desclos was banned for life from Wynn properties and faced backlash online. His manager defended him, saying he never claimed to be the real Bieber, but his social media accounts were later deactivated.
How can fans avoid being fooled by impersonators?
Fans should check for official announcements on the celebrity’s verified social media or website. Suspicious entourages or unverified appearances are red flags.
Where can I find more about celebrity impersonators?
Websites like Tribute Productions or GigSalad offer insights into hiring professional impersonators. For news on incidents like this, check outlets like NBC News or USA TODAY.
Conclusion: A Vegas Tale for the Ages
The “Biebergate2025” saga is a quintessential Vegas story—bold, absurd, and just a little bit wild. Dylan Desclos’ audacious stunt reminds us why we’re drawn to celebrity culture and how easily we can be swept up in the illusion. For DJ Gryffin, it was a lesson in trusting too quickly; for fans, it was a night they’ll never forget, even if it wasn’t the real Bieber. As Las Vegas continues to dazzle with its larger-than-life spectacles, one thing’s clear: in Sin City, you never know who might take the stage.
For more on celebrity impersonators or to book one for your next event, check out Tribute Productions or follow the latest entertainment news on NBC News. And if you’re heading to Vegas, keep your eyes peeled—you might just spot the next “Bustin Jieber.”