Massage Envy Responds to BuzzFeed Report Regarding Sexual Assaults

11/30/2017

Joseph C. Magnacca, CEO Massage Envy Franchising, LLC, today released a statement on Massage Envy’s website regarding the recent BuzzFeed report “Hands Off.” The BuzzFeed report, published on November 26, reveals that more than 180 women have reported sexual assaults at certain Massage Envy franchise locations.

In his statement, Magnacca writes, “I, like so many of you, continue to be sickened and so disheartened by the stories that have recently been published about sexual misconduct at Massage Envy franchise locations. We have zero tolerance for this type of behavior and to those who suffered, I am deeply sorry.”

Magnacca goes on to write that instead of issuing a public response immediately after the BuzzFeed report, the organization first spoke directly with victims and victims’ rights groups, industry associations, and sexual violence experts.

The statement concludes by saying that next week Massage Envy will release details of its comprehensive and transparent path moving forward.

Access Massage Envy’s full statement: http://bit.ly/2i3ymSa

Read the BuzzFeed report: www.buzzfeed.com/katiejmbaker/more-than-180-women-have-reported-sexual-assaults-at?utm_term=.sp1gek0O8#.mkaJ3k2lv

ABMP’s response to the BuzzFeed report: www.abmp.com/updates/news/abmp-statement-buzzfeed-report

Update 12/5/2017: Massage Envy has issued “a six-point plan, to drive additional, meaningful change” from CEO Joe Magnacca. The full text of the letter is available at www.massageenvy.com/our-plan-to-drive-meaningful-change-and-continued-commitment-to-guest-safety.

In the letter, Massage Envy outlines efforts in six key areas: Prevention, Reporting, Investigations, Review, Support, and Guidance. Magnacca states, “We believe the work we’re doing today can serve as a solid foundation for change across the industry.”

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