Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) has been closely following the allegations of sexual misconduct against Deshaun Watson, including recent reporting from The New York Times. While we await the conclusion of pending litigation and investigations, we felt it was important to address the incorrect and frankly dangerous comments made by Watson’s attorney Rusty Hardin.
Hardin’s assertion that it is not a crime to seek sexual services during a massage session unless you pay extra is an affront to licensed and trained professional massage therapists. ABMP President Les Sweeney says, “Massage and bodywork professionals should never have to endure the assumption that sex is a part of their work. Attitudes and comments like this are unacceptable and display a carelessness toward the safety of massage therapists and the significance of sexual misconduct.”
As these allegations continue to progress through the legal process, ABMP offers RespectMassage.com to help massage therapists learn to spot and deter the types of behaviors described by Watson’s attorney to protect themselves against inappropriate clients seeking illicit services.
