Dozens of individuals have joined a certified class action lawsuit claiming they were victims of sexual assault at Nordik Spa Village in Chelsea, Quebec. The lawsuit, filed in Quebec Superior Court, accuses the spa of mishandling complaints and failing to adequately inform and protect its clients.
The legal team representing the plaintiffs, Lambert Avocats, stated that 143 people came forward in the past year alleging they were sexually assaulted by massage therapists at Spa Nordik. The lawsuit implicates a total of 36 massage therapists who worked at the spa between 2007 and 2026.
Lawyer Philippe Brault mentioned that many people were surprised by the numbers but also relieved that action is being taken. The accuracy of the claims made in the class action is yet to be determined in court.
One specific case highlighted in the lawsuit dates back to December 2024, with a woman interviewed by CBC News expressing her dismay at the volume of complaints. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness and ensuring the safety and protection of all individuals.
The lawsuit alleges that the spa offered gift cards to some clients who reported incidents to return to the establishment where the assaults occurred. It also accuses Spa Nordik of categorizing its massage therapists as independent contractors and failing to address or prevent similar incidents following complaints.
Spa Nordik responded by stating that it prioritizes client safety and well-being, asserting that it has implemented necessary measures to maintain a respectful and secure environment. The spa intends to defend itself against the class action lawsuit, emphasizing its commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and care for guests, employees, and professionals.