ExtremeRavens Posted May 7 Posted May 7 After the Ravens announced Monday that they were releasing Justin Tucker as part of a “football decision” — making no mention of the allegations of sexual impropriety toward area massage therapists — some who work in the spa industry nevertheless said they were hopeful this was a sign that their concerns had been heard. “I’m sure a lot of people are gonna feel like they have more of a leg to stand on” if they come forward with similar allegations, Michelle Krause, a licensed massage therapist in Severna Park, told The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore’s decision to part ways with Tucker, came after 16 female massage therapists earlier this year accused Tucker of sexually inappropriate behavior between 2012 and 2016 at several Baltimore-area high-end spas. Tucker could not be reached for comment, but has previously denied any wrongdoing, and he has not been charged with a crime. The NFL is investigating the allegations against him. Alexandria-based law firm Clare Locke, which Tucker hired earlier this year, also did not respond to multiple messages sent by The Sun over several days seeking comment. “Our clients’ experiences were extremely traumatic,” Michael Belsky, an attorney representing at least 12 of the accusers, said in a statement. “While we have no comment on the decision to release Mr. Tucker, the continued lack of acknowledgment of these experiences is profoundly disappointing.” Massage therapy is a profession fraught with damaging stigmas and abuses of power, according to those who work in the industry. After news broke of the allegations against Tucker, some said it further amplified the false perception that sexual behavior is welcomed within a massage room. Tucker is accused of sexually inappropriate behavior, including “exposing his genitals, brushing [massage therapists] with his exposed penis, and leaving what they believed to be ejaculate on the massage table after three of his treatments,” according to a report by The Baltimore Banner. “It’s been going on in this industry, the spa industry, for years and nobody’s speaking about it,” said Cindy Tawiah, who owns Diva Day Spa and Healing Center in Upperco. “Nobody’s saying anything because the therapists — oh, my God — they’re embarrassed. Some of them end up leaving the profession.” “It’s hard to believe somebody that a lot of people would hold in high regard would do a thing like that,” Tawiah said. “But this is not just about him. There are others as well.” There’s a private social media forum for area massage therapists to speak openly about their field of business — anything from job postings to pertinent current events. Multiple therapists say that’s where one of the accusers first disclosed her experience, evoking a thread of comments from others who said they had similar encounters with Tucker or had heard similar stories. One therapist posted a picture Monday evening, sharing the announcement of Tucker’s release and asking her peers how they felt about the news. Some noted their frustration that massage therapists are encouraged to speak up, only to be undermined when they do. Others sent virtual love and hugs, encouraging one another. There were commenters who called out the difference in reaction for massage therapy versus the more buttoned-up reputation of physical therapy. And some plainly showed support for the team’s decision to release Tucker. The comments on the post were eventually turned off when the conversation veered into aggression toward one another about what remains a sensitive issue within the profession. Baltimore releasing Tucker won’t solve the problem of misperceptions about the massage industry, therapists and business owners said. But it’s a start. “These therapists are going to get a chance to be heard,” Krause said. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article Quote
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