Three Playboy models are still stuck in Mexico after wrongfully being detained by Mexican authorities who believed the three girls were “working” without a visa at a party for Playboy Music Fest on June 30.
Although the three Playboy bunnies have been released from their holding cell, they were forced to remain in Mexico over Independence Day weekend where they are still waiting to meet with immigration officials to get their passports back, according to Fox News.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed to The Daily Caller they are aware of the situation, but could not comment on the matter.
“We are aware of those reports. Due to privacy considerations, we have no comment. The Department of State takes its obligation to assist U.S. citizens abroad seriously,” the spokesperson said.
American model Lauryn Elaine, French model Marie Brethenoux and Turkish model Elif Celik were taken into custody on Thursday because Mexican authorities believed they were “‘working’ without a visa.” The girls were in Merida, Mexico specifically for the event, but weren’t working and weren’t paid to attend, Elaine told Fox News in an email.
“We came to Mexico to celebrate each other’s company and to gain publicity with our fans by coming to these parties in Meridá and Cancun,” Elaine explained. “Around midnight, immigration came and busted into our party when all of us girls were sitting at our VIP tables enjoying champagne and music. They then rounded us up into a large room and weeded us all out by checking everyone’s IDs.”
“We do not get paid for these events so we were wrongfully taken because they abused their authority and thought they could shake down Playboy Mexico by taking us,” Elaine continued.
The three models were taken to a holding cell where they were detained for nearly 24 hours, during which Elaine said they “had to beg for food and water.” Playboy Mexico quickly took action to secure their release and called the incident an “abuse of authority” by Mexican police.
They also shared a photo of the models on the Playboy Mexico Instagram account.
“They are not bunnies they are WARRIORS and we love them. Thanks to all for your support,” the outlet captioned the post.
The three Playboy models are still in Mexico waiting on Mexican immigration authorities to sign the proper papers and return their passports.
As of press time the White House has not issued a public response to incident. The Daily Caller is awaiting a response from the State Department regarding the matter.
This article was updated with comment from a State Department spokesperson.