A shocking investigation by Buzzfeed News has revealed that over 180 women have accused massage therapists at a prominent nationwide spa chain, Massage Envy, of sexual assault. This revelation raises serious concerns about the spa’s handling of such allegations, with many victims claiming that the company sought to cover up these incidents, allowing perpetrators to remain employed and discouraging survivors from reporting to authorities.
Harrowing Accounts of Assault
One particularly harrowing account comes from a woman named Lisa Carter, who described feeling paralyzed with fear as a therapist, recommended by the spa, assaulted her. Afterward, when she attempted to report the incident to the local Massage Envy, an employee refused to connect her with management. Seeking justice, she contacted law enforcement, leading to the arrest of the therapist, who later confessed to assaulting multiple women during his brief tenure.
Massage Envy’s Response
In response to these allegations, Massage Envy stated in an email that it enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of client harassment or assault, ensuring immediate termination of offending staff. However, the Buzzfeed report contradicts this claim, revealing instances where the chain retained therapists even after receiving multiple reports of misconduct. Some were even let go quietly, without their actions being reported to law enforcement or regulatory bodies, enabling them to seek new employment without a tarnished record.
Lisa expressed her frustration, saying, “Massage Envy had numerous opportunities to take action against him, but they chose inaction.” Since the release of the report, public outrage has surged, prompting calls on social media for a boycott of the spa chain.
Commitment to Change
In their defense, Massage Envy released a statement indicating they are currently reviewing their policies regarding assaults occurring in their facilities. “We believe that even one incident is too many,” the statement read, emphasizing their commitment to learning from these events and improving their protocols.
A Growing Movement
The sheer number of women coming forward with their stories signals a significant movement, encouraging others who have experienced similar situations to speak out, potentially revealing even more hidden cases of abuse within the organization.
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Conclusion
In summary, the allegations against Massage Envy highlight a troubling pattern of negligence regarding sexual assault complaints, raising critical questions about the safety of clients in such establishments.