Ill. attorney general to investigate Massage Envy policies after sex misconduct suits -...

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Following reports of nearly 200 lawsuits filed across the country by women who said they were groped or sexually assaulted by their massage therapists, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan subpoenaed Massage Envy on Wednesday as part of an investigation into whether the company properly handled the allegations.

Madigan’s office issued subpoenas to the Arizona-based firm over allegations that female clients were sexually assaulted or abused at the company franchises in Chicago, Elmhurst, Naperville and Tinley Park, according to a news release from the attorney general’s office.

The subpoenas seek information about the company’s policies and employee training, and on how the company handles complaints related to sexual assault or sexually inappropriate behavior.

The investigation comes on the heels of a report by the website BuzzFeed News earlier this week, which found 180 lawsuits filed against the company and its franchises alleging sexual assault or inappropriate behavior. Many of the victims claimed the franchises mishandled or ignored their complaints.


The Tribune alsofound four lawsuits filed in recent years against Massage Envy franchises Chicago, Naperville, Elmhurst and Tinley Park — the same locations the attorney general is now targeting — in which women alleged they were sexually assaulted by male massage therapists.

A Chicago woman who sued the Tinley Park franchise in Will County claimed that in August 2016 a male therapist groped her “breasts and vaginal area under the guise of providing her with massage therapy,” according to the suit. Afterward, he “made several admissions to suggest that he knew his behavior was not welcome,” the lawsuit stated.

An attorney for LCG Massage, owner of the Tinley Park Massage Envy franchise, denied the allegations of sexual touching, according to court documents. The attorney also noted in court documents that no criminal charges were filed against the therapist, despite a police investigation.

The other three lawsuits were settled or voluntarily dismissed, according to a review of court records in Will, Cook and DuPage counties.


Officials at Massage Envy could not immediately be reached for comment on the subpoenas. In response to the BuzzFeed report, the company issued a statement noting the complaints spanned more than 15 years, “but we believe that even one incident is too many.”

Madigan said she appreciates the women who have come forward about alleged assaults during their massages.

“I issued subpoenas to Massage Envy because the public has a right to know what Massage Envy’s policies are and what steps the company takes to prevent and address sexual assaults,” she said in the news release.

mwalberg@chicagotribune

Twitter @mattwalberg1

Related: 4 Chicago-area Massage Envy franchises among nearly 200 sued by customers alleging sexual assault »

Naperville Related: Massage Envy among those hit with sex assault complaints across U.S. »


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