Massage Envy has a serious problem with sexual assault and harassment. They have known this for years. Yet nearly none of their clients are aware of the danger lurking behind closed doors at their establishments because they offer no warning that male therapists have assaulted more than 400 women. Sexual assault is a vastly underreported crime and in their employee handbook, Massage Envy explains that “only 4% of upset customers will tell you when there is a problem.” Surely the number of cases exposed publicly only recently is just the tip of the iceberg.
The following are excerpts from lawsuits against Massage Envy. WARNING: The excerpts detail sexually graphic assaults.
1. J.W. vs. CB INVESTMENTS LLC d/b/a MASSAGE ENVY
J.W. signed up for a membership at MASSAGE ENVY, which entitled her to a monthly massage at a reduced rate. On December 17, 2014, J.W. went to MASSAGE ENVY to obtain a 90-minute massage. RAYMOND SMITH, JR. was assigned to perform her massage. SMITH had treated J.W. before and knew that this was the first time J.W. came to MASSAGE ENVY without her husband. Approximately 80 minutes into the 90-minute massage, RAYMOND SMITH, JR. placed his hand on J.W.’s vagina and began stroking it as if he was trying to sexually satisfy J.W.
J.W. initially froze. She was in shock and disbelief as it was the last thing she expected or contemplated in this relaxed state. Once she gained composure, she told SMITH to stop and that she did not want to be touched there. RAYMOND SMITH removed his hand and apologized to J.W. 11. SMITH remarked that she was “juicy down there” while referring to her vagina. He also remarked that she had “exquisite legs”.
J.W. remained mortified and in shock. She exited MASSAGE ENVY while remaining mortified.
2. M OTTLEY vs. M. E. BRICKELL, LLC d/b/a MASSAGE ENVY
On September 15, 2015, M OTTLEY (“OTTLEY”) went to MASSAGE ENVY to obtain a massage. RANDOLPH was assigned to perform her massage. During the massage appointment, RANDOLPH positioned OTTLEY’s right leg out in a figure four type position. He then moved his hands toward OTTLEY’s crotch underneath the sheets and stroked her vaginal area several time before she could flinch and reflexively close her knees. OTTLEY then told RANDOLPH “we are done” and to leave. RANDOLPH commented, “sorry about that slip up.”
3. LISSETTE RIQUELME vs. AAA G DEVELOPMENT, LLC d/b/a MASSAGE ENVY EAST HOLLYWOOD
On July 14, 2018, RIQUELME went to MASSAGE ENVY to obtain a massage. AIZPURUA was assigned to perform her massage. Toward the end of the massage appointment, AIZPURUA advised RIQUELME that he was going to try a massage technique called a “Thai Massage” on her to assist her with her pain. AIZPURUA then climbed on top of the massage table and got on top of RIQUELME, who was face-down on the table. AIZPURUA pressed his body against RIQUELME’s backside. RIQUELME could hear AIZPURUA’s breathing change and get heavy as if he were aroused. She could also feel AIZPURUA’s penis become erect and press against her tailbone area. After his penis became erect, AIZPURUA did not disengage the massage or leave the room.
RIQUELME felt uncomfortable about AIZPURUA’s behavior and told AIZPURUA that she did not want to be face down anymore. AIZPURUA then got down off the table and began to massage her inner thigh, without her consent. After massaging RIQUELME’s inner thigh, AIZPURUA quickly massaged her head and then ended the massage. Although RIQUELME paid for a full hour massage, it lasted far less than one hour.
On March 12, 2017, JANE DOE went to MASSAGE ENVY to obtain a massage. EGUSQUIZA was assigned to perform her massage. 9. During the massage appointment, EGUSQUIZA placed his hand underneath the massage draping, pushed her panties to the side, and digitally penetrated JANE DOE’s vagina. 10. When EGUSQUIZA observed that JANE DOE was in distress and told EGUSQUIZA to stop, he apologized to her and also asked her to keep his actions a secret.
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