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Attorney General Madigan Investigates Massage Envy Spa Chain for Allegations of Sexual Assault by Customers


Naperville Massage Envy Spa
Naperville Massage Envy Spa (Source: Chicago Tribune)

CHICAGO—(ENEWSPF)—November 30, 2017

By: Rosemary Piser

Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued subpoenas to the Scottsdale, Arizona-based franchisor Massage Envy and franchises based in Chicago, Elmhurst, Naperville and Tinley Park following reports that women were allegedly sexually assaulted by male massage therapists. The subpoenas seek information about the company’s policies, employee training and how it handles complaints of sexual assault and sexually inappropriate behavior.

Attorney General Madigan said, “I appreciate the women who have reported the sexual assaults they experienced during their massages. I issued subpoenas to Massage Envy because the public has a right to know what Massage Envy’s policies are and what steps the company takes to prevent and address sexual assaults.”

According to an investigation by Buzzfeed News, more than 180 women throughout the country have alleged that they were sexually assaulted while receiving services at Massage Envy Spas. Buzzfeed found that many of the women’s claims were mishandled, and the company’s policies and procedures for reporting and addressing sexual assault allegations were vague or unclear. Massage Envy has had multiple lawsuits, police reports and complaints by women alleging sexual assault.

According to its website, Massage Envy has more than 1,170 franchised locations in 49 states that employ approximately 25,000 massage therapists and estheticians that provide massage and skin care services to around 1.65 million members nationwide.

Source: www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov


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