A picturesque spa in the Canadian mountains has been rocked by claims its masseuses have sexually assaulted female clients.
An unidentified woman claims in a class action lawsuit that she visited Nordik Spa Chelsea in Quebec on December 2, 2024 and was sexually assaulted by a male massage therapist.
The suit, filed on August 13 in Montreal, claims that employees at the spa were made aware of the alleged incident but the establishment ‘omitted to take the necessary measures to prevent or cease this abuse, thus directly engaging its responsibility in the matter,’ according to Montreal City News.
It goes on to note that there have been previous reports of sexual assault at the spa involving massage therapists, including at least one that led to a conviction and six-month prison sentence.
After criminal charges were brought against a massage therapist at the spa in 2023, a general manager told CTV News that all subcontractors who provide massage therapy services must provide criminal record checks and proof of certification each year.
‘Our client felt that the massage therapists’ behavior and Le Nordik’s response to the different cases of sexual abuse that took place at its establishment had to be denounced,’ attorney Philippe Brault told the outlet about the recent suit.
He added that a class action suit ‘is an ideal tool for victims of sexual assault’ as it ‘favors access to justice for victims of sexual violence who already face enormous difficulties in pursuing individual remedies.’
The suit is seeking compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of all the members of the class action, including the cost of the massage, plus taxes and interest, as well as legal fees and compensation for all damages.
A spokesperson for the spa has said it would not comment on the lawsuit at this time.
‘Nordik Spa Village Chelsea does not tolerate any misconduct or inappropriate behavior on the part of the massage therapists practicing in our spa,’ the spokesperson told CTV News in a statement.
‘All therapists are subject to rigorous screening at the onset, including a criminal background check. We also conduct audits throughout their time at the spa.
‘We will comment on the allegations contained in a class action lawsuit that has just been filed against us, with full transparency, at the appropriate time,’ the spokesperson vowed, noting: ‘It is our policy to cooperate fully with the authorities whenever allegations are brought to our attention.
‘For now, we would like to reassure the public about the rigor of our internal controls and our lack of tolerance for any behavior that compromises the safety or trust of our guests.’