Austin Woman Files Lawsuit Against Massage Envy Franchise

News Summary

An Austin woman has filed a lawsuit against a Massage Envy franchise after alleging she was assaulted during a massage session. The case highlights serious concerns regarding safety protocols and employee vetting at the franchise. As the legal proceedings unfold, the woman seeks over $1 million in damages to foster change in the industry, advocating for tighter regulations to protect clients from potential misconduct.

Austin Woman Takes Action Against Massage Envy Franchise

In a shocking turn of events, an Austin woman has stepped forward with a lawsuit against a local Massage Envy franchise, claiming she fell victim to a horrific sexual assault during what was supposed to be a relaxing massage session. This distressing incident reportedly took place in July 2024 at the Massage Envy located on Escarpment Boulevard, near the Circle C Ranch neighborhood.

The plaintiff, who has been referred to as S.H. in legal documents, was a regular customer at this popular franchise, holding a membership that typically granted her frequent access to therapeutic massages. But instead of finding tranquility, she alleges that her experience turned traumatic when she was assaulted by Juan Alberto Bastida, a former massage therapist at the establishment.

Allegations and Lawsuit Details

S.H. claims that Massage Envy bears responsibility, arguing that the franchise failed to adequately vet and train its staff to prevent such “inappropriate sexual conduct.” With a heart-wrenching narrative, she conveyed the overwhelming sense of vulnerability and fear she felt during the attack, stating that the therapist first groped her before proceeding to more violating actions.

Following the incident, S.H. managed to escape the treatment room and hurried to the Austin Police Department to file a report immediately. The emotional toll of the assault has far-reaching consequences, with the woman revealing that she now suffers from nightmares and lives in constant fear, haunted by the ordeal.

Legal Actions and Response

The Austin Police Department took S.H.’s report seriously and issued a felony arrest warrant for Bastida, who apparently had a prior domestic violence charge from 2015—years before he began working at Massage Envy. This revelation raises additional concerns about the hiring practices at the franchise and whether insufficient background checks might have played a role in allowing someone with a history of violence to work with clients in such a sensitive environment.

Representing S.H. is attorney Anna Greenberg, who underlines the critical nature of prompt actions from both law enforcement and licensing boards in cases of sexual misconduct. She has worked on numerous sexual assault cases against various Massage Envy locations within the last year, highlighting a disturbing pattern that has emerged across franchises of this brand.

Seeking Justice and Change

S.H.’s lawsuit is seeking damages that exceed $1 million from both the franchise owners, Helix² Spas, and the alleged assailant, Bastida. The determination to seek justice isn’t solely for her own pain but extends to creating a safer environment for women who may find themselves in similar vulnerable positions in the future. The profound concern over employee conduct has sparked discussions around implementing stricter hiring protocols to enhance safety standards in massage therapy settings.

Despite the serious nature of these allegations and the ongoing civil proceedings, attempts to obtain comments from Massage Envy and Helix² Spas have been met with silence. This lack of response only deepens the unease felt by many regarding how the franchise handles incidents of sexual misconduct and the implications of their operational model.

Voicing Concerns and Effecting Change

S.H. hopes that by stepping out of the shadows and sharing her story, she can help draw attention to the serious issues that persist within the industry, aiming for a change that prioritizes the safety and well-being of clients. The ongoing conversation surrounding sexual misconduct in consumer service environments like this one emphasizes the need for systemic reform, particularly in franchises that allow employees to engage closely with clients.

The community watches closely as this case unfolds, waiting to see if it leads to important changes that protect individuals seeking relaxation and healing in a vulnerable state. The courage displayed by S.H. inspires many to stand up and ensure that their voices are heard.

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HERE Resources

Austin Woman Sues Massage Envy Franchise Over Assault Claims

Additional Resources

• Austin American-Statesman
• Wikipedia: Massage
• ABC 13 Houston
• Google Search: Massage Envy lawsuit
• FOX 26 Houston
• Google Scholar: Massage Envy legal cases
• The Dallas Morning News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual assault
• WFAA News
• Google News: Massage Envy news