A woman from Tennessee is taking legal action against MGM Resorts International and several of its affiliated entities, alleging that they failed to protect her from a spa employee who she claims sexually assaulted her during a massage at the MGM Grand Spa in 2024.
She filed the complaint in Clark County District Court on Friday (Sept. 4), stating that MGM’s negligence allowed the assault to take place and that the company failed to heed warning signs regarding the therapist’s behavior.
During her stay at the MGM Grand on Sept. 7, 2024, the woman went for a massage with Steven Thomas, a licensed therapist she had previously seen without incident. The spa staff instructed her to remove her undergarments and lie face-down on the massage table, which is a standard practice at the spa.
The woman claims that she fell asleep during the massage and woke up to find herself being digitally penetrated by Thomas. Feeling exposed and vulnerable, she asked to use the restroom, grabbed her robe, and alerted spa employees and requested police intervention.
Legal Allegations
The lawsuit asserts that MGM is accountable because Thomas was providing spa services as part of his job. It also alleges that MGM had knowledge of prior misconduct involving spa or hotel employees, though specific cases are not listed in the complaint.
The woman’s legal team accuses MGM of failing to perform thorough background checks, neglecting to train staff on professional boundaries, and not monitoring employees with questionable behavior.
The lawsuit names MGM Resorts International, MGM Grand Hotel LLC, MGM Grand Spa and Salon, and other related entities, citing negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, vicarious liability, breach of contract, and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. It also claims that MGM acted with malice, oppression, and conscious disregard for guest safety.
Therapist’s Legal Case
Although Thomas is not a defendant in the civil suit, his criminal case is referenced in court records. He initially faced felony sexual assault charges and was instructed to stay away from the woman. He later pleaded guilty to open or gross lewdness, which was withdrawn in July 2025. In November 2025, he entered a no-contest plea to misdemeanor battery and was sentenced to 364 days in prison.
Following a disciplinary hearing in May 2025, the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy suspended Thomas’s license due to evidence of sexual misconduct during the massage, with his request for reconsideration being denied.
The woman is seeking damages exceeding $15,000, as well as compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, legal fees, interest, and punitive damages.
MGM has not provided immediate comment on the lawsuit.