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Woman Sues MGM Grand Over Alleged Assault During Massage: A Comprehensive Breakdown

By jili tutorial · September 10, 2026

Woman Sues MGM Grand Over Alleged Assault During Massage: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Overview of the Case

A Tennessee woman has filed a civil lawsuit against MGM Resorts International and several of its affiliated entities, alleging that the company failed to protect her from a spa employee who she claims sexually assaulted her during a massage at the MGM Grand Spa in 2024. The incident, which took place at the iconic MGM Grand Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, has drawn attention to guest safety protocols and employer liability in luxury hospitality settings.

The complaint, officially filed on Friday, September 4, 2024, in Clark County District Court (Nevada), argues that MGM’s negligence directly enabled the alleged assault. Furthermore, it claims the company ignored warning signs about the therapist’s conduct prior to the incident.

Key Facts of the Incident

The Victim and Her Visit

According to the lawsuit, the woman and her husband were guests at the MGM Grand on September 7, 2024. She arrived at the spa for a scheduled massage with Steven Thomas, a licensed massage therapist whom she had seen on previous visits without any problems. The spa’s standard procedure instructed her to remove her undergarments and lie face-down on the massage table.

The Alleged Assault

The woman alleges that she fell asleep during the treatment and woke up to what she describes as “repeated digital penetration” by Thomas. The legal filing portrays her as “naked, exposed, and completely vulnerable,” adding that she feared the assault would escalate. In a state of shock and fear, she clamped her legs together, told Thomas she needed to use the restroom, grabbed her robe, and fled the treatment room. She immediately notified spa employees and requested that police be called.

Civil Lawsuit Allegations

The lawsuit argues that MGM is legally responsible because Thomas was performing spa services as part of his employment. It also claims that MGM had “actual or constructive knowledge” of prior misconduct involving spa or hotel employees, though the complaint does not list specific earlier incidents. The woman’s attorneys accuse MGM of multiple failures:

The lawsuit names the following entities as defendants:

The complaint includes several legal claims:

Additionally, the lawsuit accuses MGM of acting with “malice, oppression and conscious disregard” for guest safety, a serious allegation that, if proven, could lead to punitive damages.

The Therapist: Criminal Case and Licensing

Steven Thomas: Not a Defendant in Civil Suit

Importantly, Steven Thomas is not a defendant in the civil lawsuit. However, his criminal case is detailed in court records and provides context for the allegations.

Criminal Timeline:

Licensing Consequences

In May 2025, the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy held a disciplinary hearing. The board found, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Thomas committed sexual misconduct during the massage. As a result, his massage license was suspended. His request for reconsideration was denied by the board.

Damages Sought by the Plaintiff

The woman is seeking financial compensation for her ordeal. The lawsuit requests:

Broader Context and Industry Risks

Why This Case Matters

This lawsuit highlights a recurring issue in the hospitality and spa industries: the vulnerability of guests during intimate services like massages, and the responsibility of employers to screen, train, and supervise employees. Similar cases have been filed against other major hotel chains, including:

In these cases, hotel corporations often argue that:

However, in this case, Thomas was clearly an employee performing work duties, and the spa’s own instructions (to remove undergarments) are standard, making employer liability a stronger argument.

What Guests Can Do to Protect Themselves

For travelers and spa-goers, this incident is a reminder to take precautions:

MGM’s Response

As of the article’s publication, MGM Resorts International has not issued a public comment on the lawsuit. The company typically refrains from discussing pending litigation.

Conclusion

This case underscores the critical importance of safety protocols in luxury hospitality environments. The woman’s lawsuit not only seeks justice for her personal trauma but also aims to hold a major corporation accountable for alleged systemic failures. With criminal proceedings already resulting in a prison sentence for the therapist, the civil case will now test whether MGM’s corporate policies and oversight were adequate.