A shocking report from Buzzfeed News has revealed that more than 180 women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault against therapists working at Massage Envy, a popular spa chain boasting nearly 1,200 locations across the United States. Disturbingly, many of those interviewed claim that the company made efforts to conceal these incidents, allowing accused therapists to remain in their positions while discouraging victims from involving authorities.
Harrowing Accounts
One particularly harrowing account comes from a woman named Lisa Carter, who described lying “frozen in shock and fear” while a therapist, highly recommended by Massage Envy, groped her and assaulted her. After the traumatic experience, Lisa attempted to report the incident to the Massage Envy location but was met with resistance, as an employee refused to connect her with management. Frustrated, she reached out to the police, leading to the therapist, Mark Jansen, pleading guilty to molesting nine women during his brief tenure at Massage Envy.
Company Response
In a statement to USA Today, Massage Envy insisted that it upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct, promising immediate termination for any offending therapists. However, the Buzzfeed investigation painted a different picture. “Some therapists have remained employed despite multiple allegations of misconduct,” stated reporter Sara Collins. “Others were quietly dismissed without notifying law enforcement or regulatory bodies, allowing them to find new jobs without any blemishes on their record.”
Even Jansen, who was sentenced to five years in prison after admitting to his actions and expressing a need for help, might have continued working at the chain if Lisa hadn’t taken the steps to involve law enforcement. “Massage Envy is complicit,” she told Buzzfeed. “They had numerous chances to take action but chose to ignore the problem.”
Public Backlash and Policy Review
In the wake of the report, Massage Envy has faced significant backlash, with many social media users calling for a boycott of the spa chain. The company has since announced that it is reviewing its policies regarding how it handles incidents of assault within its facilities. “We believe that even one incident is too many,” their statement read. “We are always listening and trying to improve our policies on these serious matters.”
The Importance of Speaking Out
The stories shared by these women highlight the importance of speaking out. When one person finds the courage to share their experience with assault, it often inspires others to do the same, creating a powerful wave of awareness. The overwhelming number of complaints against Massage Envy suggests that this issue may only be the tip of the iceberg.
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Conclusion
In summary, over 180 women have accused Massage Envy therapists of sexual assault, with many alleging that the company attempted to cover up these incidents. Despite claims of a zero-tolerance policy, the investigation reveals a troubling pattern of misconduct being ignored. The report has sparked calls for accountability and change within the organization.
Keyphrase: Massage Envy sexual assault allegations
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