Massage Envy has nearly 1,200 locations nationwide. Horowitz Law has the experience of bringing dozens of sexual abuse cases against Massage Envy. Hundreds of people have accused their therapists of sexual assault during massage appointments. This is an incredible betrayal of trust, especially when one considers clients are placed alone, undressed, and physically vulnerable with a Massage Envy therapist — a setting that requires the highest level of corporate safety protections. Courts recognize that businesses providing intimate personal services owe a heightened duty to protect clients from foreseeable sexual misconduct by employees or agents. Many Massage Envy sexual assault lawsuits involve not only the individual therapist and local spa, but also the national franchisor, Massage Envy Franchising LLC, whose policies and safety standards govern franchise locations nationwide. Sexual assault allegations have arisen at Massage Envy locations across the United States for more than a decade, creating clear notice to the franchisor of the risk of therapist sexual misconduct and the need for stronger safeguards. Below are some of the examples of our many cases:
- A Coral Gables woman alleged that a Massage Envy therapist sexually assaulted her in 2016.
- A Boca Raton woman reported abuse by a Massage Envy therapist.
- In 2018, dozens of people accused Massage Envy therapists of assault in locations across the country in a groundbreaking report in which Adam Horowitz was quoted.
- 11 women filed lawsuits in 2018, alleging that assault incidents took place in Sarasota and at other Florida Massage Envy locations.
- We filed a lawsuit in July 2023 against a franchise location in Hollywood, Florida based on DNA evidence linking the massage therapist to the assault.
- Horowitz Law filed a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse at Massage Envy location in Morris Plains, New Jersey in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suing For Sexual Assault During a Massage
When handling Massage Envy sexual assault cases, the questions we see most often include:What is unwanted touching?
Contact with any sexual organ is outside of the bounds of a traditional massage.Who can be held liable for massage therapist assault?
Most of our lawsuits target the therapist's employer, accusing Massage Envy and other business of negligence in keeping clients safe, neglecting to complete a proper background check, failing to properly investigate complaints, and overlooking fundamentals safety rules. Most Massage Envy locations are franchises but we always explore Massage Envy franchisor liability. In other words, we investigate whether a case can be made against the franchisor as well for its own negligence and role in the sexual misconduct. Even if therapists are hired by franchisees, the franchisor can be liable if its mandatory systems, policies, or omissions made assaults foreseeableWhat should I do if I have been assaulted by a Massage Envy therapist?
You should begin exploring your legal options by meeting with an experienced sexual assault attorney. At Horowitz Law, we help our clients with not only their civil cases, but also their role as witnesses in the criminal case and the administrative case to remove the massage therapist's license. We begin by investigating the facts and circumstances of your assault, and help you make informed decisions about how to proceed. Options include filing a police report, making a report to licensing authorities, seeking an Order of Protection, and bringing a civil lawsuit. Trauma is often emotionally unsettling and many of our clients seek therapy from a trained professional. You are not alone if you have experienced sexual assault at Massage Envy. We are here for you when you need us most.Is Massage Envy Corporate Liable For Sexual Assault at Franchisor Locations?
Yes. Although Massage Envy locations are locally owned franchises, the national franchisor establishes brand standards, therapist screening protocols, safety policies, and incident-response procedures that franchisees must follow.
Lawsuits allege Massage Envy knew of repeated sexual assaults across multiple locations yet failed to implement adequate safeguards, track offending therapists across spas, or require reporting to law enforcement and licensing boards.
When corporate policies or omissions contribute to foreseeable sexual abuse, the franchisor can be held legally responsible along with the local spa. Lawsuits have alleged that Massage Envy did not require franchisees to report sexual assault allegations to law enforcement or state regulators and instead handled complaints internally. Additionally, clients reasonably believe they are receiving services from “Massage Envy,” not an independent franchise owner, and rely on the national brand’s promise of safety and professionalism.