OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - It's an unsettling cautionary tale, after hundreds of sexual assault and abuse allegations have been brought against popular chain Massage Envy, one Oklahoma woman said she's finally ready to tell her story.
She sat on her couch to rehash a story she's told less than a handful of times.
"I've just lived in fear for quite some time."
Because this Oklahoma woman, who 2 Works for You respects wants to stay anonymous, said warning others is more important than her apprehension.
"180 women cried out for help and were turned away."
She was stunned reading stories just like hers.
"When I read it, I dropped to my knees. I couldn't believe 180 women."
And remembers a time almost five years ago when a Massage Envy door was closed, and her eyes were opened.
"He just became very sexual, very touchy, (he) wanted me to touch myself. I was just like no, no and keep thinking 'oh my gosh.'"
She had been a member of the chain for a year going to a different location, but said after moving this was her fourth time at Chatenay Square.
"The next thing I know he had put me in some type of wresting hold that I didn't know if you pulled out of hurt you badly, and he dislocated my shoulder."
She was terrified and in excruciating pain.
"I started to cry and get a little hysterical. He stopped the massage, left the room, I got dressed and left. I was too afraid to say anything."
Court documents suggest there are two cases reported at Oklahoma City's south side location, our woman telling us she's positive that two is far less than the amount that have actually taken place both here and elsewhere.
"I called and explained what happened, and explained I had mounting medical bills now, and they said they would call me back, and they never did."
In a statement the chain calls the accusations against it "heartbreaking" and claims it has policies requiring all of its spas investigate allegations and fire employees when necessary.
"They did nothing to protect the women that were paying them, keeping their businesses afloat."
Now, she said she refuses to live in fear, and allow her predator to hide in her silence.
"If one person makes a different decision, and this keeps them from going through the same thing, then this has been a success."
One of the attorneys on her case that was settled outside of court, Cameron Spradling stated, "I am in awe of the courage exemplified by every woman who has come forward to share their story and announce to the world, 'It Stops With Me!'"
The company confirmed the man accused of abusing this and another woman at that location no longer works there.
Monday, the CEO came forward with actions the company has and will take to protect its clients in the future.
You can read the pledge here.
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