Massage Envy struggles to repair image after assault claims

Over 180 women have said they were sexually assaulted while receiving service at the national massage chain’s locations. Now it’s trying to assuage fears—and avoid legal jeopardy.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

Massage Envy is trying to repair its sullied reputation after a bombshell report.

Buzzfeed broke the story, in which it reported a pattern of abuse and assault against customers at Massage Envy spas nationwide, without proper legal follow-up.

Now the chain is working to counter the allegations that complaints went ignored at the local and national levels.

Buzzfeed reported:

Massage Envy, the first and by far the largest chain of massage franchises in the country, is a billion-dollar business that promises trustworthy services at an affordable price. But BuzzFeed News found that more than 180 people have filed sexual assault lawsuits, police reports, and state board complaints against Massage Envy spas, their employees, and the national company. Like Susan Ingram, many say their claims were mishandled or ignored by employees and owners of individual Massage Envy spas, and by the national company itself.

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.