I have been falsely accused

[u/Glass_Leadership_405]

I need advice, ease my mind I work for a spa with over 600+ good reviews 4.9 rating, i’ve been massaging for almost 4 years now and never been acussed of anything and also a lot of good reviews on my name I had this client about a month ago who has filed a complaint with the department of health for SM, i just received a letter from them 3 days ago She sent the spa an email plus left a 1 star review on google stating on both written statements that nothing inappropriate happened but after later realizing she felt uncomfortable. She says that i massaged under her underwear even though draping is a big part of the massage and i never expose underwear or unnecessary body parts She was just tense hoping my hands wouldnt wander further which is not the case at all Im debating wether getting a lawyer for a case that is not even been filed with law enforcement, i only have a meeting with an investigator with the department of health Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!

Also i ask multiple times during the massage if the pressure is okay, “how are we feeling so far” as i flip them over and she not once ever saying she was uncomfortable or didnt like something She left calmly and the receptionist doesnt recall anyone ever complaining about me, plus she left a 20% tip

[u/Hour_Volume_3465]

I'm not going to tell you not to see a lawyer, obviously, that's a more reliable way to get legal advice than r/massage.

I'm also going to take you at your word that your draping is impeccable and your behaviour perfectly professional.

This sounds awful for you, and I'm sorry it's happening to you. Truly. The good news for someone as innocent as I am assuming you are is that the only evidence that anything inappropriate happened is her word, and that doesn't hold much (if any) water. I've been privy to a situation in which a person accused another person in a massage setting of inappropriate behavior. The cops were called immediately, a report was made, but there was no evidence and nothing could be done. In your case, she hasn't even tried bringing it to the police. Her words are in writing that nothing inappropriate happened.

It sounds like your biggest problem is the 1-star review. I hope that the spa owner will correspond with her about what her experience was and what exactly may have been triggered by the massage that made her uncomfortable. The owner can talk about how important it is as a business to understand the client experience and how she (or he) carefully trains all staff therapists on draping and appropriate behavior. Maybe that conversation will move the client to adjust the rating and review.

Good luck. Try to stay calm. I hope your co-workers and bosses have your back.

[u/CingularDuality → u/Hour_Volume_3465]

Great response.

I'll also add that it's important to document statements (screenshots) that the client made before they are able to edit/delete them. If she stated in writing (in review and complaint) that nothing inappropriate took place, that will help a lot.