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But, two of those Bunnies (seen below) -- Lindy and Susie -- aren't afraid of the intimidation. They're mad as hell and aren't going to turn tail after investing so much time in getting those coveted ears. Lindy worked a year and a half to get into the Club while Susie spent three years working to get hired.

Both girls faced a stringent employment process - multiple panel interviews, "nail-biting callbacks," being judged in the suit and outside it (one was told to eat more and come back, another to get some dental work done). They were also sent to the salon and told just how to do their makeup, their hair. Once hired, they had a Bunny Manual to abide by and were weighed and measured monthly. Lindy and Susie aren't complaining about any of that, though. It was a badge of honor for them. Proof that being a Bunny wasn't as simple as putting on the ears and being pretty.

"Becoming a Playboy Bunny Dealer is an extensive and highly selective process because being a Playboy Bunny is all-encompassing. To uphold the “Bunny Image” established for the last 60 years takes class, great customer service skills/teamwork/extraordinary poise, an abundance of charm, exceptional strength and beauty, and a personal desire to represent the iconic image as one of the elite Playboy Bunnies. The chance to be a part of history. Allowing any girl to put on a bunny costume and deal on the main floor is drastically changing the definition of what it is to become a Playboy Bunny. All for the sake of cheaper labor. We earned that title and upheld it proudly, some us for years and years." -- Susie

Each beauty with brains point to the Palms' recent management change-up as when things started to unravel. Once the resort where George Maloof called the shots, someone new was in charge. And, as with any company where that takes place, employees got nervous. Change is supposed to be good, but change is always feared, too. The Bunnies of the Playboy Club were no exception.

About two months ago, the Bunnies (12 in all) were called into a meeting and were reassured that their positions were "100 percent secure" and that they didn't have to worry about their jobs, "that they were permanent fixtures in Playboy Club as long as it was open."

Then, on November 2, they were told their positions were being eliminated and were shown the door. No two week notice and only a neutral letter of reference confirming they once worked there. But, the Palms did have one last thing they wanted of the girls -- their signature on paperwork agreeing to the grounds of their termination and prohibiting them from talking to the media. According to Lindy and Susie, every girl refused. Some are still too scared to talk to the press. Worried about trying to find another job in the city. But, Lindy and Susie say they want to take a stand. They're filing a complaint with the EOCC and want to reach out to Playboy, too. Both ladies feel that Hugh Hefner would be appalled to hear what was happening with his iconic brand and a screening process that had once been so very stringent in its search for perfection.

Some of the Bunny 12 had been at the Palms since the hotel itself opened, some 11 years ago. Some had been with the resort since the Playboy Club opened in 2006. All just want to to be heard, to be recognized, too.

Of course, every story has another side. But, the Palms never responded to a note we sent them a week ago. Perhaps, it's too busy getting ready for its 11th anniversary on Tuesday. It's probably a party we won't be invited to. And, neither will the Bunny 12, who have all been banned from stepping foot on its property for 90 days.

(Photos: Flickr, The Palms)