Monday, Aug 25, 2008    Text size: 

Kross told reporters that she, another performer and a third person identified as their manager were asked if they had work permits to visit New Zealand. They said they didn't, and that they were not required to have them as they weren't to receive fees for their promotional visit to the Erotica Lifestyles Expo and Boobs on Bikes parade.

Erotica Expo and Boobs on Bikes organizer Steve Crow did pay for the performers' flights from Los Angeles and accommodations.

Kross told reporters that she and her colleagues felt "discriminated" against because of their line of work.

"One of the [immigration officers] actually forced my friend to say she was a porn actress," Kross said. "There was a vending machine with snacks but we had no New Zealand currency on us. We told the staff that but they ignored us and we had no food."

All three were eventually issued six-day work permits.

A Labor Department spokesman confirmed to reporters that an investigation was underway into Kross' claims but the staff member involved was unavailable for comment.

Police also are investigating the complaint Kross filed at Auckland central police station after a man allegedly approached her during the event asking if he could feel her breasts.

"I hit him and said 'no,' and he hit me back," she said.