Nov. 27 (UPI) — Therapists at a nationwide massage chain are facing nearly 200 allegations of sexual assault.
The chain, which has 1,170 locations and 1.6 million U.S. customers or members, was the focus of an investigation published Sunday by BuzzFeed News.
The story alleges at least 180 women have filed sexual assault civil suits, police reports or complaints to state boards against the company, its franchisees or employees. The report cites incidents of groping and other violations.
The company, Massage Envy, told CBS News Monday that its therapists have performed over 125 million massages in its 15 years of operation — and said even a single incident is too many.
The chain also told USA Today that it recommends franchisees “support and enlist clients who choose to report assaults to police.”
BuzzFeed said in its report that the company doesn’t obligate franchisees to report every allegation to police, except when local law requires it, and offers little guidance in conducting an investigation.
