Last year, Massage Envy drew national attention after a BuzzFeed investigation uncovered over 180 accusations of sexual assault at their locations across the country. Recently, several more women have come forward having experienced molestation and other acts in Massage Envy locations throughout Florida.
In May 2017, two women signed up for the mother-daughter Mother’s Day special at the Massage Envy in Boca Raton. Their relaxing outing turned to horror when both women claimed they were abused by their massage therapists in separate rooms. They are two of 11 Jane Does in one of the biggest lawsuits against the franchise. The lawsuit — filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court — claims that Massage Envy put profits ahead of customer safety at franchises throughout the Sunshine State.
Massage Envy Continues to Bury Assault Accusations
The 11 victims of the Palm Beach County lawsuit hail from all over the state. At a massage Envy in Royal Palm Beach, an employee was charged with molesting a client. Juan Pablo Parra was charged with attempted sexual battery after a woman claimed he groped her while he gave her a massage. He was also charged with battery in another incident that took place at a Massage Envy
Attorneys Jennifer Lipinski and Brian Kent represent the Florida women who claimed they were assaulted. The lawsuit targets Massage Envy Spas in:
- Boca Raton
- Royal Palm Beach
- West Palm Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Jacksonville
- 3 locations on the Gulf Coast
In the lawsuit, the attorneys stated that Massage Envy “systematically and intentionally conspired and concealed the rampant problem of massage therapists” at their franchises. The company’s policies, they noted, allowed the abuse to continue.
Massage Envy has historically prevented staff from reporting abuse to police or state licensing boards. According to a recent BuzzFeed article, Massage Envy franchisees are still not required to file reports of sexual assault to law enforcement or state licensing boards.
By failing to report dangerous massage therapists to the Florida Board of Massage Therapy, the therapists accused of sexual assault have been able to keep their licenses and continue to endanger clients.
Staying Safe in Palm Beach County
Massage Envy clients throughout the country have reported various forms of sexual assault, from inappropriate touching to rape. Massage Envy has several locations throughout Palm Beach County. Assaults have been reported in several of them:
- Boca Raton
- Royal Palm Beach
- West Palm Beach
- Wellington
- Palm Beach Gardens
If you have been sexually assaulted at a Massage Envy in Palm Beach County, it is wise to report the assault as soon as possible to the local police. Speaking with the location manager likely won’t lead to disciplinary action.
Fighting Sexual Assault Accusations
Not all who are accused are guilty of the crime. It takes a considerable effort to become a licensed massage therapist; and, if you are accused of indecent conduct in the midst of the media frenzy, you could lose your license. Whether you work for Massage Envy or run a private practice for massage therapy, protect your reputation with comprehensive criminal defense in West Palm Beach.
The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel has served the criminally accused of Palm Beach County for over 30 years. Receive a free consultation by calling 561-622-5575 or click here to get in touch.