Woman Sues Austin Massage Envy for Sexual Assault

'Systemic problem;’ Blizzard Greenberg case alleges negligent hiring practices, supervision

AUSTIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The sexual assault attorneys with Blizzard Greenberg PLLC have filed another lawsuit against Massage Envy, this time targeting an Austin-area location after a reported assault on a frequent customer during a massage appointment.

“This company’s failure to protect its customers and employees is tragic and inexcusable,” said trial lawyer Anna Greenberg. “Sexual misconduct at Massage Envy is a well-documented risk, and the company should be doing everything possible to eliminate this risk, but it’s not. It's a systemic problem.”

According to the complaint, S.H., a regular customer with a Massage Envy membership, attended a massage appointment in July 2024 with therapist Juan Alberto Bastida. Midway through the session, the lawsuit says Bastida groped her breast and digitally penetrated her. To get Bastida to stop, S.H. told him that she thought the time was up. He then quickly threw the blanket over her and left the room.

Terrified, S.H. drove to the Austin Police Department, reported the assault immediately and sought medical attention at a nearby clinic.

The Austin Police Department has since issued a warrant for Bastida’s arrest.

The lawsuit claims Massage Envy failed to properly vet, train, and supervise its employees, including the accused therapist, who has a criminal background including a 2002 burglary case and a 2015 assault in a domestic violence case. The filing says that the franchisee who owns and operates the Circle C Ranch Massage Envy location, either “knowingly hired Bastida as a massage therapist despite his criminal history, or it negligently failed to discover this history.”

The case is S.H. v. Helix2 Spas Austin, LLC, Cause No. D-1-GN-25-001369, in Travis County.

This lawsuit is just the latest in a disturbing string of claims against Massage Envy franchises across the state, which allege systemic issues that have left customers and employees vulnerable to sexual assault. Within the last year, Blizzard Greenberg attorneys have filed sexual assault cases on behalf of five victims against the company and its franchises.

About Blizzard Greenberg, PLLC

Blizzard Greenberg, PLLC, is an award-winning national trial firm with more than 40 years of experience handling complex legal issues involving pharmaceutical and personal injury cases. For more information, visit www.blizzardlaw.com.