Spa chain Massage Envy has come under fire after more than 180 female customers have accused therapists of sexual misconduct, according to a report by BuzzFeed.
The complaints, which BuzzFeed reported Sunday based upon police reports, lawsuits and other complaints, were reported over the years at multiple spa outlets from across the country. The customers alleged male therapists had groped and penetrated them while on the massage table. Several accusers also complained to the management of the spa chain that operates more than 1,200 spas across the country about the alleged assaults.
Local franchise owners operate Massage Envy outlets in North Chattanooga, Hixson and East Brainerd, but the local outlets have not been sued for any sexual misconduct and were not included in the Buzzfeed report.
Susan Ingram from West Chester, Penn., told Buzzfeed that massage therapist James Deiter pressed his erection against Ingram, groped her breasts and even penetrated her vagina with his fingers.
Ingram said she then complained to the outlet’s manager who declined to interrupt Deiter’s ongoing massage of another client.