A startling investigation by Buzzfeed News has revealed that more than 180 women have accused therapists at Massage Envy, a popular spa chain with close to 1,200 locations across the United States, of sexual assault. Disturbingly, many of those interviewed allege that the company attempted to conceal these incidents, allowing the accused to remain employed while discouraging victims from reporting their experiences to law enforcement.
Lisa Thompson’s Account
One poignant account comes from a woman named Lisa Thompson, who recounted feeling “paralyzed with fear” as a therapist, who was highly recommended by Massage Envy, groped her and assaulted her. After the incident, Lisa attempted to report the assault to the spa, but claims that staff members refused to connect her with management. Ultimately, she sought help from the police, leading to the arrest of the therapist, Mark Johnson, who later pleaded guilty to multiple counts of molestation involving various women during his brief tenure at the spa.
Massage Envy’s Response
In a statement to USA Today, Massage Envy asserted that they maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment and assault, which would lead to immediate termination of any offending staff member. However, the findings from Buzzfeed’s investigation suggest a different reality. Reporter Sarah Lee noted that some therapists remained on the payroll despite facing numerous misconduct allegations. Others were let go quietly without any legal reporting, allowing them to secure new jobs without a tarnished record.
Even Mark Johnson, who received a five-year prison sentence after admitting to his crimes, might have continued working at Massage Envy if not for Lisa’s decision to involve law enforcement. “Massage Envy is complicit in these actions,” she stated. “They had the chance to act on numerous occasions but chose to ignore the problem.”
Public Backlash and Company Review
Following the release of this report, Massage Envy has faced significant backlash, with calls for a boycott circulating on social media platforms. In response, the company has issued a statement indicating that it is currently reviewing its protocols for managing incidents of assault within its facilities. “We believe that even one incident is too many,” the statement read. “We are always listening and learning how to enhance our policies regarding these matters.”
Encouraging Victims to Speak Out
This situation highlights a crucial point: as more women come forward to share their experiences of assault and harassment, it may encourage others who have remained silent to speak out. The number of women reporting issues at Massage Envy may only be the tip of the iceberg.
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Conclusion
In summary, the allegations against Massage Envy reveal a troubling pattern of misconduct and a potential culture of silence around sexual assault within the company. The shocking number of accusations may encourage further victims to come forward and seek justice.