Massage Envy Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Update: New Lawsuits Target South Bay Massage Envy Locations Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

May 16, 2025 – Two Massage Envy franchise locations in California’s South Bay area are facing civil lawsuits after two separate clients reported being sexually assaulted by massage therapists—both of whom now face criminal prosecution [4.]. The allegations mark a continuation of troubling claims that have followed the national massage chain for more than a decade.

The latest lawsuits were filed earlier this month in Santa Clara County and San Mateo County, naming former employees from Massage Envy locations in Campbell and Palo Alto as defendants. The alleged assaults occurred in 2023 and 2024, and both accused massage therapists have been criminally charged in their respective counties.

In the first lawsuit, filed on May 2, a woman referred to as Jane Doe alleges she was assaulted during a massage session on November 10, 2023, at the Palo Alto location. According to court documents, her massage therapist, identified as Arturo Gomez, allegedly groped her and then digitally penetrated her without consent.

She later reported the assault to local authorities, and Gomez was arrested and formally charged in February 2024. His case is currently pending a trial setting in Superior Court. Although the incident occurred in Palo Alto, the lawsuit was filed in San Mateo County, where the franchise operator is headquartered.

The second lawsuit, filed separately, involves a male plaintiff referred to as John Doe. He claims he visited the Campbell Massage Envy on September 13, 2024, while waiting for his car to be washed nearby.

During his appointment, he alleges that massage therapist Rolando Salom forcibly pulled down his boxer shorts and performed oral sex on him without consent. Doe says he immediately stopped the session and filed a report with local law enforcement. Salom has also been criminally charged.

Both lawsuits accuse the company and its franchises of negligence, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Plaintiffs are seeking unspecified general, medical, and punitive damages.

Massage Envy has not publicly commented on the new lawsuits as of this writing. The cases have intensified scrutiny of how the company and its independently operated franchises vet, train, and monitor their staff, especially in light of repeated accusations of inappropriate behavior.

The civil proceedings in these two California counties could lead to broader consequences for the national brand, which has long struggled to distance itself from its growing history of misconduct allegations.

Massage Envy Lawsuit Overview

The Massage Envy lawsuits involve allegations of sexual assault and misconduct by massage therapists employed at Massage Envy franchises across the United States. As of 2017, at least 180 women have filed complaints in the form of sexual assault civil lawsuits, police reports, or objections to state boards against Massage Envy [1]. The primary allegations center on the company’s failure to properly respond to sexual assault complaints and protect customers. Many more victims have reportedly been offered settlements to keep their cases out of court.

Latest Massage Envy Lawsuit Updates

April 8, 2025 – A recent lawsuit filed in Chattanooga alleges a Massage Envy therapist secretly recorded clients during sessions, underscoring privacy violations and lack of oversight by the franchise [2].

February 26, 2025 – According to CBS Austin, a Massage Envy client filed suit alleging she was sexually assaulted by a therapist with prior misconduct complaints—raising questions about the franchise’s hiring and safety policies.

January 23, 2025 – Massage Envy has faced over 180 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by employees, as detailed by the Lawsuit Information Center—fueling claims of systemic failure to protect clients.

August 22, 2024 – F&A Injury Lawyers reports a new lawsuit against Massage Envy, alleging sexual assault and corporate negligence in failing to ensure client safety during massage sessions.

FDA Reports and Statistics

Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has franchises in all 50 U.S. states except Wyoming. The company claims to have over 35,000 ‘dedicated wellness professionals’ whose core values include striving ‘to earn and to keep the trust of those we serve by delivering exceptional service’ to its more than 1.65 million members and guests.

Massage Envy responded to the complaints with the word ‘heartbreaking,’ saying they occurred over 15 years and 125 million massages. ‘We believe that even one incident is too many,’ the company said in a statement to USA TODAY [3]. ‘We are constantly listening, learning and evaluating how we can continue to strengthen our policies with respect to handling of these issues.’

Massage Envy Injuries & Side Effects

Victims of sexual assault at Massage Envy have reported various forms of misconduct and resulting trauma:

• Sexual Battery: Unwanted touching of intimate areas
• Sexual Assault: Including digital penetration and forced oral contact
• Psychological Trauma: Including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Physical Injuries: In some cases resulting from forcible contact

Do You Qualify for a Massage Envy Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Massage Envy lawsuit if:

• You received a massage at a Massage Envy location in the United States
• You experienced sexual assault, harassment, or inappropriate touching during your massage
• The incident resulted in physical and/or psychological harm
• You can provide documentation of your visit to Massage Envy

Evidence Required for a Massage Envy Lawsuit

• Documentation of your appointment at Massage Envy
• Medical records documenting any physical injuries
• Psychological evaluations documenting trauma
• Police reports (if filed)
• Witness statements (if available)

Damages You Can Recover

• Medical expenses for physical and psychological treatment
• Lost wages due to inability to work
• Pain and suffering compensation
• Punitive damages against Massage Envy for negligence

Massage Envy Recall Information

While Massage Envy has not issued product recalls, they have faced significant scrutiny over their policies regarding sexual assault allegations. The company does not require franchisees to notify police in the event of a sexual assault complaint, except where specified by local law. They do require internal investigations into incidents but provide little guidance on how to conduct them.

Statute of Limitations for Massage Envy Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a sexual assault lawsuit against Massage Envy varies by state. Generally, victims have between 1-5 years from the date of the incident to file a claim. Some states have extended these timeframes specifically for sexual assault cases. Contact our attorneys immediately to determine the specific deadline that applies to your situation.

Related Article:

• Sexual Assault in the Second Degree
• What Does Aggravated Battery Mean?
• What Happens When You Violate Probation?

FAQs

1. How does the #MeToo movement influence cases like the Massage Envy sexual assault lawsuit?

The #MeToo movement has raised awareness about sexual assault and empowered more victims to come forward. This cultural shift can influence the outcome of cases by increasing public support for victims and encouraging more stringent legal and regulatory actions against perpetrators and negligent companies.

2. Can I remain anonymous if I file a lawsuit against Massage Envy for sexual assault?

In some cases, victims of sexual assault can file lawsuits anonymously or under a pseudonym to protect their privacy. Your attorney can advise you on the possibility and process of maintaining confidentiality during the legal proceedings.

3. What is the importance of holding companies like Massage Envy accountable for sexual assault?

Holding companies accountable is crucial for ensuring that they implement and enforce policies to protect clients from harm. It also helps to provide justice for victims and can lead to broader societal changes in how businesses handle sexual misconduct.

4. How can survivors of sexual assault at Massage Envy seek support outside of the legal process?

Survivors can seek support through counseling, support groups, and organizations that specialize in helping victims of sexual assault. These resources can provide emotional and psychological support, as well as assistance with navigating the legal process.

5. What specific policies has Massage Envy been criticized for regarding sexual assault allegations?

Massage Envy has been criticized for not requiring franchisees to report sexual assault allegations to law enforcement, providing inadequate guidance for internal investigations, and allowing accused therapists to continue working at other locations.

6. How long does a Massage Envy sexual assault lawsuit typically take to resolve?

The timeframe for resolving a sexual assault lawsuit against Massage Envy can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case, the jurisdiction, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases may resolve within months, while others could take several years.

7. What should I do immediately after experiencing sexual misconduct at a Massage Envy location?

If you experience sexual misconduct at Massage Envy, you should report the incident to management, contact local law enforcement to file a report, seek medical attention if necessary, document all details of the incident, and contact an experienced attorney.

8. How does Massage Envy’s franchise structure affect liability in sexual assault cases?

Massage Envy’s franchise structure can complicate liability issues, as both the local franchise owner and the corporate entity may bear responsibility. Our attorneys have experience navigating these complex corporate structures to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Related articles:

• Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit
• Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuit

See the other sexual molestation claims we’ve taken on.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action against Massage Envy for sexual assault claims. Many states restrict the time you have to file a lawsuit to just a few years from the date of the incident. Don’t delay in seeking justice and compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to discuss your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our services
• Payment only if we win your case

Do I Have a Massage Envy Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

The Sexual Abuse Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Massage Envy lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

Again, if you were harmed during a professional massage, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.

References:

[1] https://www.buzzfeed.com/katiejmbaker/more-than-180-women-have-reported-sexual-assaults-at?utm_term=.eoXZKyV4k#.ihX3504Wq  

[2] https://newschannel9.com/news/local/chattanooga-woman-sues-massage-envy-ex-therapist-for-secretly-recording-clients 

[3] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2017/11/27/massage-envy-therapists-accused-180-sexual-assaults/896972001/

[4] https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/05/15/massage-envy-locations-in-south-bay-sued-over-alleged-sexual-assaults/