Report: Many Clients Claim Sex Abuse At Massage Envy Spas

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — An investigative news report has found that more than 180 people have filed sexual misconduct complaints against Massage Envy spas, franchises' employees and the national company.

The report by BuzzFeed News found that those who complained filed sexual assault lawsuits, police reports and other complaints.

The website reports many of those who complained believed their claims were mishandled or ignored by employees, owners of individual Massage Envy spas and by the national company.

Massage Envy issued a statement late Monday afternoon saying that the complaints documented by BuzzFeed News spanned a period of more than 15 years. It called each account heartbreaking.

Massage Envy general counsel Melanie Hansen told BuzzFeed News that the company holds franchise owners accountable and has created rigorous policies for hiring, screening and training therapists.