Woman files lawsuit against owner of massage parlor, alleges abuse - WESH Orlando

[massage]

CLERMONT, Fla. —
A Central Florida woman filed a lawsuit against the owner of a Massage Envy franchise in Clermont, saying they failed to protect customers from sexual abuse.

The 29-year-old woman said she was inappropriately touched by a masseuse at the parlor in Clermont in May.


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"He was breathing heavily. He massaged her neck, he moved down both of her arms and (at) that point ... groped both of her breasts with his hands," said the woman's attorney, Adam Horowitz.

The lawsuit said the victim felt paralyzed and was in shock. When she leaned back, the masseuse allegedly asked what was going on through her mind, and she responded that she wanted to go home.

Horowitz said he represents 25 victims nationwide with similar stories involving various massage franchise and spas. Seven of his cases, he said, are in Central Florida.

Horowitz said the lawsuits indicate a large problem of people who may be in the industry with the intent to make sexual contact.

"We have a setting ... where men are alone with women who are undressed and laying in a vulnerable position in a dark room," Horowitz said.

The State Attorney's Office is considering filing a criminal case against Massage Envy.

Massage Envy responded to WESH 2 News and said its franchisees are committed to "ensuring guests have a safe and professional experience when they visit our franchise locations" and that the company takes inappropriate conduct very seriously.

"We have a clear incident reporting process, we strictly enforce our Code of Conduct and Zero Tolerance Policy, and impose serious consequences for those who violate these policies.

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