NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Editor’s note: This story contains disturbing details. Survivors are not being identified to protect their privacy.
A Nashville-area massage therapist has had his license revoked following multiple allegations of sexual assault connected to locations operated by The NOW massage franchise.
The decision came after testimony from survivors and a review by the Tennessee Board of Massage Therapy. Two women have also filed lawsuits against the company, alleging misconduct at separate Mid-State locations.
One survivor addressed the board directly, describing an encounter at the Belle Meade studio that led regulators to revoke the therapist’s license. She said the incident occurred on March 30 during what was supposed to be a routine massage.
According to her testimony, the therapist repeatedly touched her inner thigh and moved increasingly closer to her genital area, behavior she said left her frightened and traumatized. She became emotional while recounting the experience, explaining that the actions crossed clear professional boundaries.
A spokesperson for The NOW said the franchise has a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior and took immediate action once the allegations surfaced. The company stated that the therapist was removed from the schedule as soon as leadership became aware of the complaints.
In a separate case, another woman accused massage therapist Joseph Wenger of raping her at The NOW location in Franklin. She told investigators she felt frozen with fear during the incident, noting that the therapist was significantly larger than her.
Wenger was later indicted by a grand jury on three counts of rape and one count of sexual battery. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
State records also revealed that the Franklin location had previously been placed on probation for employing an unlicensed massage therapist for approximately eight months.
The survivor from the Belle Meade location said she hopes the license revocation will prevent the therapist from harming anyone else.
Anyone affected by sexual assault or seeking support is encouraged to contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
Statement from The NOW (provided to FOX 17 in October)
The NOW and its franchise owner are aware of the allegations outlined in complaints filed in Davidson and Williamson counties. While the company cannot comment on active litigation, guest safety and well-being remain a top priority. In accordance with company policy and brand standards, including a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate conduct, the individuals involved were immediately removed from the schedule once the allegations were known. Following an internal investigation, their employment was terminated. The company continues to cooperate with authorities. Regarding the issue involving an unlicensed therapist, the company stated the matter occurred during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and was resolved with the state several years ago.