Horowitz Law has filed a lawsuit against Massage Envy Country Walk in Miami, Florida, on behalf of a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by a massage therapist during a scheduled appointment.
Attorneys Adam Horowitz and Dolores Scheller of Horowitz Law filed the lawsuit in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court on November 12, 2026, naming M E Countrywalk, LLC, doing business as Massage Envy, as the defendant. The complaint alleges that the franchise negligently hired, retained, and supervised massage therapist Jorge Luis Lugo Rivero, who allegedly sexually assaulted the plaintiff during a February 24, 2025, massage session.
The victim had been a Massage Envy member for approximately three years and regularly sought massage therapy for stress relief and chronic back pain.
Facts and Allegations Against Massage Envy Therapist Jorge Lugo Rivero
According to the lawsuit filed by Horowitz Law, the following allegations were made:
- February 24, 2025: The woman visited Massage Envy Country Walk, located at 13721 SW 152nd Street in Miami, for a 90-minute massage.
- Inappropriate touching: Near the end of the session, Lugo Rivero allegedly moved the woman's leg to the side of the massage table and began touching her inner thigh and groin beneath the draping.
- Sexual assault: The complaint alleges that Lugo Rivero placed his hand underneath the woman's underwear and touched her genital area without consent.
- Attempts to resist: The woman allegedly attempted to move his hand away, but he continued touching her. The complaint also alleges that he pressed his other hand against her shoulder, restricting her ability to resist.
- Incident reported: The woman verbally demanded that Lugo Rivero stop and reported the incident to Massage Envy management immediately after the appointment. She also contacted law enforcement and the Florida Department of Health.
Lugo Rivero was subsequently arrested in December 2025 and charged with misdemeanor battery. In May 2026, he entered a plea agreement under which the court withheld adjudication; he was placed on probation and required to surrender his massage therapy license.
Lawsuit Alleges Massage Envy Failed to Protect Client
The lawsuit alleges that Massage Envy Country Walk failed to take reasonable precautions to protect clients from sexual misconduct by its employees.
The complaint includes five counts against M E Countrywalk, LLC:
- Negligent hiring: Alleging the franchise failed to exercise reasonable care when hiring Lugo Rivero.
- Negligent retention: Alleging the franchise retained Lugo Rivero despite information it knew or should have known concerning his fitness to work with clients.
- Negligent supervision: Alleging inadequate oversight of Lugo Rivero's conduct, including compliance with professional boundaries and draping procedures.
- Negligence involving policies, procedures, and training: Alleging the franchise failed to implement adequate safeguards against sexual misconduct.
- Vicarious liability: Seeking to hold the franchise legally responsible for Lugo Rivero's conduct in connection with his employment.
The complaint also raises concerns about Massage Envy's internal procedures for responding to inappropriate touching complaints.
According to the lawsuit, the franchise's employee manual includes an “Inappropriate Touch Procedure” directing staff to document complaints and notify management and corporate representatives. However, the complaint alleges that the procedure does not require employees to report sexual misconduct allegations to law enforcement or the Florida Department of Health.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages and demands a jury trial.
Massage Envy Clients Have the Right to Safe, Professional Treatment
Massage therapy clients place significant trust in the professionals responsible for their care. During treatment, clients are often partially undressed, alone in private rooms, and physically vulnerable.
Massage therapists are expected to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and provide treatment without engaging in unwanted sexual contact.
The allegations against Massage Envy Country Walk raise serious concerns about the responsibility of massage establishments to properly screen, train, and supervise employees and implement safeguards to protect clients from sexual abuse.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law represents the plaintiff in the lawsuit against Massage Envy Country Walk. Our firm has filed numerous sexual assault lawsuits involving massage therapists on behalf of clients who experienced inappropriate sexual contact during massage appointments.
Massage therapy clients have the right to receive treatment in a safe, ethical, and professional environment, free from sexual exploitation and abuse.
If you experienced inappropriate sexual contact involving Jorge Lugo Rivero, Massage Envy, or another massage therapist, please contact Horowitz Law at (888) 283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.