Tennessee Woman Files Negligence Suit Against MGM Grand Entities Over Alleged Spa Assault
TL;DR — A Tennessee woman sued MGM Resorts International and affiliates for negligence after an alleged sexual assault by therapist Steven Thomas at the MGM Grand Spa in September 2024. The suit claims inadequate vetting, training, and monitoring enabled the incident. Thomas received a 364-day sentence after a no-contest battery plea and had his license suspended.
SCCG Take — Operators face direct liability exposure when ancillary services like spas lack documented screening and oversight protocols, even for licensed contractors.
A Tennessee woman filed a civil complaint against MGM Resorts International and several affiliated entities on September 4 in Clark County District Court. The suit alleges the operator failed to protect her from sexual assault by a massage therapist at the MGM Grand Spa during a visit on September 7, 2024.
The plaintiff had booked an appointment with Steven Thomas, a licensed therapist she had seen on prior visits without incident. Spa staff directed her to remove her undergarments and lie face down, after which she fell asleep. The complaint states she awoke to repeated digital penetration while naked and vulnerable on the table. She clamped her legs together, asked to use the restroom, retrieved her robe, and immediately notified spa employees before requesting police assistance.
Claims of Corporate Negligence and Vicarious Liability
The lawsuit names MGM Resorts International, MGM Grand Hotel LLC, MGM Grand Spa and Salon, and other MGM-related entities as defendants. It asserts that MGM is responsible because Thomas performed the services as part of his employment. The filing accuses the companies of negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, vicarious liability, breach of contract, and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
Plaintiff’s attorneys state MGM had actual or constructive knowledge of prior misconduct involving spa or hotel employees but did not conduct meaningful background checks, train staff on professional boundaries, or monitor concerning behavior. The complaint alleges MGM acted with malice, oppression, and conscious disregard for guest safety. The woman seeks more than $15,000 in damages along with medical costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, attorney fees, interest, and punitive damages. MGM did not immediately comment on the lawsuit, according to Casino.org News.
Therapist’s Criminal Case and License Suspension
Thomas is not a defendant in the civil suit. Court records show he was initially charged with felony sexual assault and ordered to stay away from the woman. On or about February 6, 2025, he pleaded guilty to open or gross lewdness, a gross misdemeanor. That plea 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.
After a May 2025 disciplinary hearing, the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy suspended Thomas’s license. The board found by a preponderance of the evidence that he committed sexual misconduct during the massage. His request for reconsideration was denied.
Reporting: Casino.org News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
When third-party amenities lack documented vetting and oversight, operators inherit direct liability — licensing alone doesn't insulate you.
Across our 545 partners, we see resorts treat spas, salons, and wellness offerings as low-risk add-ons. This suit is a wake-up call: guest safety protocols must extend to every vendor and contractor. Inadequate screening or monitoring can trigger punitive exposure, reputational damage, and operational disruption — even when the perpetrator holds a state license.
- Plaintiff alleges MGM failed to conduct meaningful background checks, training, or monitoring of spa therapist
- Suit claims actual or constructive knowledge of prior misconduct involving employees or contractors
- Therapist received 364-day sentence and license suspension after no-contest battery plea
SCCG angle: SCCG helps resort and gaming clients audit ancillary service protocols — from credential verification to behavioral monitoring frameworks — and connects operators with vetted compliance, HR, and legal advisors who specialize in hospitality liability. We have worked through vendor oversight gaps in every regulated market we serve.
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