Actress Brooke Shields recently made a discreet visit to Casa Bonita, the Denver Mexican restaurant owned by "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, to champion better wages and safety for its performers.

Shields, who reportedly used a fake name for her reservation, aimed to deliver a letter to management and owners without prior notice.

Shields' visit underscores ongoing negotiations between Casa Bonita's performers and management.

In April 2024, about 80 performers at the iconic Denver establishment unionized with Actors’ Equity, with Shields leading their efforts.

The union is pushing for not only increased pay but also fundamental safety improvements, citing concerns over performer well-being.

Performers have raised serious allegations regarding their working conditions.

These include instances of hypothermia and chlorine toxicity attributed to the diving pool, as well as reports of costumed performers being sexually harassed by patrons.

Joshua Emerson, a part-time costumed character actor, stated he has been grabbed sexually over 20 times, noting a lack of security to protect performers or hold perpetrators accountable.

Bethel Lindsley, a diver and dive team overseer, reported a diver suffering a concussion underwater and issues with pool temperature regulation and chlorine levels.

According to Shields, performers are currently paid between $21 and $26 an hour, which is approximately $10 less per hour than servers who also receive tips.

The union claims that management offered a less than $1-an-hour wage increase despite the union making concessions on paid time off, holiday pay, and other benefits.

Performers also highlight the absence of an active shooter policy, an emergency action plan, and adequate security for those interacting with diners.

Casa Bonita's management issued a statement to CNN, saying, "we value all of our team members and their well-being.

As a policy we do not comment on ongoing labor negotiations." Parker and Stone have not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the negotiations.

Parker and Stone, who saved Casa Bonita from bankruptcy five years ago and have invested significantly in its renovation, have not attended any of the 14 bargaining sessions with Actors’ Equity, according to Shields.

The restaurant, a Denver institution for over 50 years, is known for its unique entertainment, including cliff divers, puppeteers, and magicians, alongside its Mexican cuisine.

Performers emphasize that while the restaurant is consistently busy, they believe the owners have the financial capacity to meet their demands for improved conditions and wages.

Shields expressed her personal commitment to the cause, stating that it is disheartening to see young, talented performers not being cared for.

Actors' Equity has filed at least seven labor complaints against Casa Bonita with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging retaliation and refusal to bargain.