They call New York the naked city, but on Times Square, there's only room for one naked man.
For 13 years, that man has been Robert Burck, the Naked Cowboy.
Out there in all weather, wearing nothing but a Stetson, white cowboy boots and tiny, tight white underpants, he's a tourist staple almost on a par with Times Square's jumbo screens and the glittering New Year's ball.
But Burck is the lone ranger no more. Naked Indian has come to town.
Dressed in a faux feather headdress, tasseled suede boots, and underpants every bit as tight as those of his rival, the Naked Indian describes himself as the new naked king of Times Square.
"There's more vitality, energy in me," the Naked Indian, who would not give his real name, but is reportedly called Adam David, told AFP. "The cowboy, his legs look weary. He's in a very vulnerable position ... He's a hurting man." The two nearly naked men are an uncomfortable few yards apart.
Burck insists he's not worried. But Burck used a legal threat to force his rival to remove the logo "Naked Indian" from his underpants, saying this infringed on his trademarked "Naked Cowboy," written by hand across his tighty whities.
{{/usCountry}}Burck insists he's not worried. But Burck used a legal threat to force his rival to remove the logo "Naked Indian" from his underpants, saying this infringed on his trademarked "Naked Cowboy," written by hand across his tighty whities.
{{/usCountry}}Strumming a guitar, the Naked Cowboy poses with tourists for two pictures — front side and back — and invites them to place hands on his bulging chest. He says he earns up to $1,000 a day.
The veteran street performer, who says he is 41, believes the Naked Indian, who only showed up last month, will not last.