Massage Envy Masseur in Chattanooga Investigated for Secretly Filming Clients - Lawyer Monthly Magazine

[Josh Henderson]

Chattanooga police are investigating a former Massage Envy employee, Kenneth Spears, after he admitted to secretly filming a female client undressing during a massage session.

Spears was fired from his position at the Hamilton Place location after the disturbing incident came to light. Authorities are concerned there may be additional victims as their investigation continues.

Tennessee Licensing Board Revokes License​

Earlier this year, the Tennessee licensing board determined that Spears had engaged in "unethical or unprofessional conduct." As a result, he was fined $1,000 and had his massage license revoked.

Despite this, as of Tuesday, Chattanooga police stated that Spears has not yet faced any criminal charges. Officers are actively investigating the situation and seeking more potential victims.

Incident Unfolds: How the Victim Discovered the Hidden Camera​

The case began in September when a Massage Envy client reported feeling uncomfortable while undressing for her massage. As she looked around the room, she noticed a cell phone hidden behind a towel warmer with its camera facing her.

Realizing she had been exposed while undressed, she recorded the phone’s position. After the session, she discovered the phone was still recording while she dressed. She immediately confronted Spears and asked him to delete the footage. Spears apologized and complied, deleting both the recorded video and several other unidentified files.

Massage Envy Responds to the Incident​

Massage Envy took swift action after the victim reported the incident. The owner, Brooke Goodyear, confirmed the details of the event and spoke to Spears. During their conversation, Spears admitted to recording other clients, although he did not reveal their identities.

As a result, Massage Envy fired Spears and reported the incident to the state licensing board, taking immediate steps to ensure that no further harm would be done.

Ongoing Police Investigation: Are There More Victims?​

Chattanooga Police are continuing their investigation into Spears’s actions. The police report suggests that other victims may exist, as Spears admitted to recording additional clients.

With multiple videos potentially deleted from his phone, it is unclear how many others may have been unknowingly filmed during their massage sessions. Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have been a victim to come forward as the investigation progresses.

Notable Incidents at Massage Envy:​

1. 
   Massage Envy Sexual Assault Allegations (2017-2018)
   In 2017, Massage Envy faced multiple allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct by massage therapists. Several clients came forward with claims that they were sexually assaulted during their massage sessions. These incidents were particularly alarming because many of the accused therapists had been reported for misconduct in the past but continued to work at various locations. The company was heavily criticized for failing to take adequate measures to protect clients and for not properly vetting employees. These lawsuits, combined with negative media coverage, raised serious questions about Massage Envy's employee screening and monitoring practices.
   
   
2. 
   2018 Hidden Camera Incident (Florida)
   Another concerning incident occurred in Florida in 2018 when a client discovered a hidden phone recording her while she undressed for her massage session. The phone was found concealed in a cubby in the massage room, filming the woman both before and after the massage. After confronting the therapist and deleting the footage, the woman reported the issue to Massage Envy management, which resulted in the therapist being fired. This raised alarms about the company’s security protocols, prompting discussions about the need for stricter privacy protections in such personal care environments.
   
   
3. 
   2018 Lawsuit for Inappropriate Conduct
   In addition to the allegations of sexual misconduct, Massage Envy was also sued in 2018 by several clients who accused the company of failing to address inappropriate behavior by therapists. The lawsuit alleged that the company had not taken adequate steps to investigate complaints and ensure the safety of clients. This lawsuit further highlighted the company's deficiencies in handling serious allegations and protecting client privacy.
   

The Impact on Massage Envy:​

These incidents have put Massage Envy under scrutiny, forcing the company to take a closer look at its employee vetting processes, background checks, and privacy safeguards. In response, Massage Envy has worked to improve its internal policies, including more rigorous background checks, better staff training, and enhanced monitoring of employees. However, despite these efforts, these past incidents have had a lasting impact on the brand’s reputation.