Massage Assault & Sexual Abuse in a Spa
Sexual abuse during a massage or spa service is a serious violation of trust, safety, and professional standards. Sexual assault and misconduct by massage therapists and spa employees can have a profound and lasting effect on those harmed.
Over 900 massage therapists have been disciplined for sexual misconduct, according to the National Practitioner Data Bank. Large chains and independently owned massage parlors are also facing lawsuits for failing to protect clients.
Massage sexual assault lawsuits claim:
- Inappropriate or nonconsensual touching during treatments
- Breaches of professional boundaries and standards of care
- Improper background checks on employees
- Inadequate training, supervision, or oversight of staff
- Ignoring prior complaints or warning signs about staff members
- Failure to take reasonable steps to protect clients from abuse
Survivors can fight back by filing sexual assault lawsuits to hold their abusers and the businesses that failed to protect them accountable. So far, millions of dollars have been paid out to survivors of sexual abuse in spas and massage parlors.
At Sokolove Law, we have over 45 years of experience fighting for survivors, including those who were sexually assaulted during massages and spa treatments. Let us fight for you.
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Our massage and spa sex abuse lawyers may be able to help you pursue justice and compensation. Get started now with a free case review.
What Is Considered Sexual Assault During a Massage?
Sexual abuse during a massage doesn’t always involve force. In many cases, it occurs when a therapist crosses professional boundaries while a client is undressed, alone, and in a vulnerable position.
Lawsuits and criminal cases across the U.S. describe a range of misconduct that goes far beyond acceptable massage practices.
Reported forms of massage and spa sexual abuse include:
- Nonconsensual Touching: Unwanted groping or touching of breasts, genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs disguised as legitimate massage techniques
- Inappropriate Draping: Removing draping or refusing to respect client boundaries
- Sexualized Remarks or Behavior: Sexual comments, propositions, or inappropriate conversation
- Forced Intimacy: Pressuring you into kissing, hugging, or other actions that you're not comfortable with
- Improper Technique: Claiming inappropriate touching is for "therapeutic purposes"
- Illegal Recordings: Voyeurism or secret recordings in treatment or changing areas
In some cases, survivors report being groomed through repeat appointments, where trust is built intentionally before boundaries are violated.
Regardless of the specifics of the abuse, these acts violate professional standards and client consent. Many survivors endure lasting emotional, psychological, and physical harm, even when the abuse occurred during a single appointment.
Where Does Massage Sexual Abuse Happen?
Sexual abuse during massage and spa services has been reported across the United States, affecting clients in both large cities and smaller communities.
These incidents are not limited to one type of business and have occurred in settings marketed as safe and professional.
Massage settings where sexual abuse allegations have been reported include:
- Chain massage franchises
- Independent massage parlors
- In-home or mobile massage services
- Luxury hotel spas and resorts
- Wellness centers and holistic spas
"It would be hard to think of a more vulnerable position than being in a darkened room while laying face down draped in just a towel."
– Massage Sexual Abuse Lawyer
In many cases, failures in screening, supervision, and enforcement of professional standards allowed abuse to occur. Many survivors are now seeking accountability through massage sexual assault lawsuits.
Massage Envy Lawsuits for Sexual Assault
Massage Envy is one of the largest massage franchises in the United States. Since their founding in 2002, the company has provided over 200 million massages nationwide.
However, public records, criminal cases, and civil lawsuits have revealed a pattern of sexual misconduct at Massage Envy locations, leading to numerous lawsuits.
Find out more about Massage Envy lawsuits for sexual assault:
- More than 180 Massage Envy sexual assault lawsuits have been filed against the chain and their employees, according to an investigative report.
- The company is also accused of mishandling or ignoring complaints.
- Among Massage Envy lawsuits, over 100 allege that massage therapists inappropriately touched clients' genitals or breasts or engaged in other violations.
- In some cases, Massage Envy spas reportedly offered survivors settlements before they filed a lawsuit, leaving no public record of the assault.
- Allegations of Massage Envy sex assaults span more than 15 years, highlighting that this is a longstanding issue.
Massage sexual abuse lawsuits have also been filed against chains like Hand & Stone, Massage Green, Elements Massage, and Natural Remedies.
The true number of sexual assaults that have occurred at Massage Envy and other spa chains is unknown, as many survivors don’t report the abuse due to feelings of shame or a fear of not being believed.
Massage Envy Sexual Assault Locations
Massage Envy Franchising does not require individual spas to contact police or hire independent investigators when an assault occurs. Instead, individual locations are left to conduct their own investigations into allegations of abuse.
While the franchise is based in Arizona, there are around 1,000 Massage Envy locations across 49 states — many of which have been named in Massage Envy sexual assault lawsuits.
Sexual assaults have been reported at the following Massage Envy locations:
- Peoria, Arizona
- Tempe, Arizona
- Elk Grove, California
- Glendale, California
- Los Angeles, California
- Menifee, California
- San Diego, California
- Aurora, Colorado
- Clearwater, Florida
- Coral Gables, Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Winter Park, Florida
- Roswell, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Edina, Minnesota
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Warren, New Jersey
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- West Chester, Pennsylvania
- Houston, Texas
This is not a complete list. If you believe you were sexually assaulted at Massage Envy or another spa, you may be able to take legal action.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may be able to pursue a spa or massage sexual abuse settlement. It costs nothing to speak with us.
Massage Sex Assault Cases: Settlements & Verdicts
Survivors of sexual assault during a massage or spa service may be eligible for compensation from a lawsuit settlement or jury verdict. This money can help cover therapy and other costs tied to the trauma, while also holding massage businesses accountable.
When spas and massage businesses fail to protect clients, lawsuits can result in significant compensation for survivors to help them work toward closure and healing.
Massage sexual abuse settlements and verdicts include:
- $47 Million to a Florida woman assaulted by her masseuse
- $13 Million for 2 Georgia women who were sexually assaulted by a male massage therapist
- $10 Million to 10 women abused at a holistic health spa in Ohio
- $1 Million for 2 women who were sexually abused at a Massage Envy in Texas
- $2.2 Million to 2 survivors assaulted at a Chicago luxury hotel spa
- $1.5 Million for a North Carolina woman abused at a national chain establishment
- $4.9 Million to 2 women who suffered sexual assault at an Arizona spa
While there’s never a guarantee of compensation in any case, our spa sex abuse lawyers are prepared to fight hard for everything you’re entitled to.
Find out more about notable results recovered for survivors of sexual abuse in massage parlors and spas across the country.
$47 Million Florida Massage Sexual Assault Verdict
A Florida jury awarded a woman $47 Million for massage sexual abuse at Essentials Massage and Facials of New Tampa that occurred while she was partially disrobed.
The woman had visited the business seeking treatment for neck pain when she was assaulted by massage therapist Raul Delarosa. He pleaded guilty to sexual battery and was ordered to register as a sex offender.
The lawsuit against Essentials Massage and Facial revealed that the company didn’t perform a background check on Delarosa, who had been fired from 3 previous jobs.
$13 Million Atlanta Spa Sexual Assault Verdict
In July 2025, a DeKalb County, Georgia jury awarded $13 Million to 2 women who claimed they were sexually assaulted during massages at Ponce Feet Spa in January 2021.
The verdict included $9 Million for the women's actual losses and $4 Million in punitive damages to punish the spa and owner Qiujiang Wang for negligently hiring and retaining an unlicensed male massage therapist.
While the spa claimed it wasn’t responsible for the assaults because the therapist was an independent contractor, the verdict shows businesses can face severe consequences when they ignore licensing laws and safety standards.
“Justice doesn’t erase the past, but today, it brought clarity. And for that, I’m truly thankful.”
– Spa Sexual Abuse Survivor
$10 Million Ohio Spa Sex Assault Award
In 2024, a Fairfield County, Ohio jury awarded more than $10 Million to 10 women who were reportedly sexually abused by a massage therapist at Natural Remedies Massage, a holistic health spa in Lancaster.
Filed in 2021, the massage sex assault case alleged that massage therapist Matthew Schaitel abused clients during appointments between 2019 and 2021, falsely claiming the conduct was therapeutic.
The women testified that they trusted the spa to provide professional, safe care, but were instead exposed to a serial abuser. The verdict followed a separate multimillion-dollar settlement resolving claims that the spa failed to take necessary steps to protect clients.
“These women trusted Natural Remedies to employ professional, trained massage therapists. Instead, they were exposed to a serial predator who abused them for his sexual gratification.”
– Massage Sexual Abuse Lawyer
$1 Million Texas Massage Envy Lawsuit Settlement for Abuse
In 2023, the owner of 3 Massage Envy franchise locations in Conroe, Texas, agreed to pay a total of $1 Million to 2 women who reported being sexually assaulted during appointments by massage therapist Jose Franco.
One survivor alleged that Franco turned off the lights and sexually assaulted her during a 90-minute massage, causing her to develop herpes and leaving emotional scars. Another survivor reported that Franco inappropriately touched her breasts.
Ultimately, Franco was fired, but the women's Massage Envy sexual abuse lawyers argued that the franchise failed to act quickly enough to prevent further harm.
$2.2 Million Chicago Massage Assault Settlement
In 2023, Chicago massage spas sexual abuse attorneys secured $2.2 Million in settlements for 2 women who accused a massage therapist of sexually assaulting them during treatments at Chuan Spa, located inside the Langham Hotel Chicago.
One woman said massage therapist Joseph Mitchell violated spa policy by using his bare hands on her intimate areas during a mud treatment, while another reported waking during a massage to find herself uncovered and exposed.
The hotel hired Mitchell despite prior sexual misconduct complaints at other massage businesses, including Massage Envy and East Bank Club, a high-end fitness club, according to the lawsuit.
“There’s strength in numbers. The sooner we all stand up, the sooner the world starts changing. To the Langham leadership who put us and so many others in danger: I hope your profits are worth it. I don’t know how you sleep at night.”
– Massage Sexual Abuse Survivor
$1.5 Million North Carolina Massage Parlor Sex Abuse Settlement
In 2022, a woman in Wake County, North Carolina secured a $1.5 Million massage parlor sex abuse settlement after being assaulted while receiving services at a large-chain establishment.
The sexual abuse lawsuit alleged that a male massage therapist touched the woman's breasts and genitals during the session, causing minor physical injuries and severe emotional distress.
The woman's massage sex abuse lawyers claimed that the business had a history of similar sexual assault allegations and failed to take adequate steps to protect clients. The defendants denied wrongdoing and attempted to shift blame to the victim.
$4.9 Million for Arizona Massage Therapist Assault
An Arizona state court jury awarded $4.9 Million to 2 women who alleged that they were sexually assaulted during massages at Namti Spa in Sedona.
The alleged abuse occurred in 2016, when the women received massage services from former therapist Aaron Frank Orrico. Jurors found the women suffered lasting physical, emotional, and psychological trauma as a result of the assaults.
One of the women claimed Orrico touched and fondled her genitals. When she objected, he whispered, “I hope I didn’t offend you,” according to court documents.
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Wherever you're located in the U.S., our massage sexual abuse lawyers are here to help you seek justice.
Massage Sex Assault Case Update 2025-2026
Survivors across the country are making their voices heard by reporting abusive massage therapists and businesses that failed to protect them from sexual assaults.
As a result, establishments are being held accountable for negligence that allowed abuse to occur. Massage sex abuse cases shine a spotlight on the hidden dangers in the industry and show that real justice is possible when survivors speak out.
Learn more about the latest massage sex assault cases:
- January 2026: Corey Brent Christensen, a masseuse already facing charges for allegedly sexually abusing 2 clients, was charged with forcible sexual abuse involving a third woman after prosecutors say he inappropriately touched her during a 2024 massage.
- December 2025: Licensed massage therapist Christopher Ost is accused of secretly videotaping clients and sexually abusing a child. Ost primarily provided services out of his Colorado home but also visited children with special needs, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.
- July 2025: Kyle Carthens, an Ohio massage therapist charged with rape and sexual battery for an alleged sexual assault during a massage at Spa West in 2023, was found incompetent to stand trial and ordered to remain at North Coast Behavioral Health following a court-ordered evaluation.
- May 2025: Massage therapist Andrew Ramirez was arraigned on first- and second-degree sexual abuse charges related to an alleged sexual assault of a man during a massage at the Salamander Hotel spa in Washington D.C., according to government officials.
- March 2025: Yasmina Ponce-Rodriguez was arrested after she was accused of sexually abusing a 17-year-old boy during a massage at the Trump National Doral spa.
- February 2025: At least two dozen massage therapists in Massachusetts have faced disciplinary sanctions after the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy investigated and substantiated sexual misconduct involving clients, according to public records.
- January 2025: The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy permanently revoked the license of Peter Petrovic after allegations that he groped and digitally penetrated a female client during a 2020 massage session in Verona, barring him from practicing massage therapy in the state for life.
These events shine a light on abuse inside the massage industry. As more survivors speak out, institutions are being forced to face their failures, change their policies, and compensate those who've been harmed.
How to File a Sexual Assault Massage Claim
At Sokolove Law, we understand how difficult it can be to speak out about sexual abuse that occurred during a massage. What should have been a safe experience can become traumatic, and coming forward takes real courage. Our team is here to listen and support you.
From your first call through the resolution of your case, we’ll treat you with the dignity, care, and respect you deserve. Let us handle the legal process and fight for accountability, so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Our massage sexual abuse lawyers may be able to:
You deserve to be heard, believed, and supported. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Deadline to File a Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse by a Massage Therapist
Statutes of limitations limit how long survivors have to take legal action after sexual abuse during a massage or spa service. These deadlines vary by state and may depend on when the abuse occurred and whether the case involves a minor.
In recent years, many states have enacted “lookback windows,” which temporarily give survivors more time to file sexual abuse claims.
Even if the abuse happened years ago, or if the therapist responsible is no longer practicing, you may still have legal options. Our massage and spa sexual abuse attorneys can review your situation, explain your rights, and help determine whether you may be eligible to file a claim.
Billions Recovered Nationwide
We’ve secured over $10.2 Billion total for our clients. See if you may be eligible for a massage sex assault settlement now.
Get Help from a Massage and Spa Sex Abuse Lawyer Near You
It takes tremendous courage to come forward after sexual abuse during a massage or spa service, and survivors deserve justice for the harm they’ve endured.
At Sokolove Law, our massage and spa sex abuse lawyers can help survivors nationwide take legal action against abusive massage therapists, spa employees, and the businesses that failed to protect them.
We’ve secured more than $10.2 Billion total for clients harmed through no fault of their own, and we have the experience and resources to fight for meaningful compensation on your behalf.
There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with us. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (800) 995-1212 right now or complete our online form for a free case review. We’re here to listen, support you, and help you take the next step forward.
Massage Sexual Abuse Attorney FAQs
How common is sexual abuse in massage parlors?
Sexual abuse during massage and spa services happens frequently. Investigations have shown that allegations span across the industry, including at large national chains like Massage Envy.
In fact, more than 180 clients have filed sexual assault lawsuits against the company. Massage Envy sexual assault allegations include inappropriate touching, rape, and more.
If you’ve experienced abuse, you have legal options. Get a free case review now to see if we can help you seek justice.
What are red flags during a massage session?
Red flags during a massage include any behavior that crosses professional boundaries or ignores your consent. Common warning signs include unwanted touching of intimate areas, improper or removed draping, sexual comments, or being told sexualized contact is “therapeutic.”
Other red flags include pressure to undress, ignoring requests to stop, positioning your body in exposing ways, or continuing the massage after you express discomfort. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. You have the right to end the session immediately and report the behavior.
What should I do If I was sexually abused at a spa?
If you were sexually abused during a massage or spa service, it's important to get to a safe place as soon as possible, document what happened, and contact a massage abuse lawyer for help.
While every situation is different, the steps below can help you protect your well-being and your legal rights:
- Get to a Safe Place: If you are in immediate danger or feel unsafe, leave the spa as soon as you can and seek help from someone you trust or emergency services.
- Seek Medical Care: Even if you don’t have visible injuries, health care providers can address physical concerns, document what happened, and connect you with additional support services.
- Write Down What You Remember: As soon as you can, document details such as dates, times, names, descriptions of what occurred, and any witnesses. This information can be important later, even if you decide not to act right away.
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, avoid washing clothing or deleting messages related to the appointment until you’ve had a chance to speak with legal professionals.
- Talk to a Sexual Abuse Attorney: An experienced lawyer can explain your options, including whether you may have a legal claim against the therapist, the spa, or both. A free case review can help you understand deadlines, next steps, and potential compensation, without any pressure or obligation.
Report the incident if you’re able. You may choose to report the abuse to spa management, local law enforcement, or both. Reporting is a personal decision — some survivors report immediately, while others need time. If the therapist is licensed, you can also file a complaint with the state licensing board.
What should you do if a masseuse touches you inappropriately?
If a masseuse touches you inappropriately, stop the session immediately and leave if you feel unsafe. When you’re able, report the incident to spa management, local police, or the state massage therapy licensing board. Document what happened as soon as possible.
You may also choose to speak with a sexual abuse lawyer to understand your legal options and whether you may be eligible for compensation.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if our massage sexual abuse lawyers can fight for you.
Can I file a lawsuit against Massage Envy for sexual abuse?
Yes. If you were sexually assaulted at a Massage Envy location, you may be able to file a lawsuit to seek justice and compensation for the harm you suffered.
Over 180 lawsuits for Massage Envy abuse have already been filed against the company, alleging a wide range of sexual misconduct and mishandled complaints.
At Sokolove Law, our Massage Envy sexual assault attorneys can determine if you may qualify to take legal action and file a claim on your behalf.
Can you take legal action for sexual assault against a massage therapist years later?
Yes. It may still be possible to take legal action years after a massage or spa sexual assault, depending on the laws in your state and factors related to the abuse.
Many states have also enacted “lookback windows” that temporarily allow survivors to file claims even if the original deadline has expired. These laws recognize that many survivors need time before they're able to come forward.
Contact us now to see if we can help you file a massage sex assault claim.
