MGM Grand Faces Negligence Suit Over Alleged Spa Employee Sexual Assault

A civil lawsuit filed in Clark County District Court on September 4, 2026, alleges that MGM Resorts International failed to protect a guest from sexual assault by a spa employee at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The plaintiff, a Tennessee woman, claims she was assaulted by licensed massage therapist Steven Thomas on September 7, 2024, during what should have been a routine spa treatment.

According to court filings, the woman fell asleep during the massage and awoke to what she describes as "repeated digital penetration" while she was naked and in a vulnerable position. She responded by clamping her legs together, requesting to use the restroom, and alerting spa staff before requesting police involvement.

The lawsuit names MGM Resorts International, MGM Grand Hotel LLC, MGM Grand Spa and Salon, and other affiliated entities as defendants. The complaint alleges negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, vicarious liability, breach of contract, and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The filing further accuses MGM of acting with "malice, oppression and conscious disregard" for guest safety. The plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $15,000, plus medical costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, attorney fees, and punitive damages.

The legal complaint contends that MGM is responsible for Thomas's conduct since he was performing spa services in his capacity as an employee. It also asserts that MGM had actual or constructive knowledge of prior misconduct involving spa or hotel employees, though specific earlier cases are not detailed in the filing. The attorneys argue that MGM failed to conduct meaningful background checks, train staff on professional boundaries, and monitor employees displaying concerning behavior.

Thomas is not a defendant in the civil suit, but his criminal proceedings provide context for the allegations. Initially charged with felony sexual assault, Thomas pleaded guilty to open or gross lewdness (a gross misdemeanor) on or about February 6, 2025. That plea was withdrawn in July 2025, and in November 2025, he entered a no-contest plea to misdemeanor battery. He received a sentence of 364 days in prison.

In parallel, the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy conducted a disciplinary hearing in May 2025, finding by a preponderance of the evidence that Thomas committed sexual misconduct during the massage. The board permanently suspended his license, and his request for reconsideration was denied.

This incident reflects ongoing challenges in the casino and hospitality industry regarding employee screening, guest safety, and corporate liability. Major Strip operators maintain extensive spa and wellness facilities that serve thousands of guests annually, creating significant oversight responsibilities. The case highlights questions about background check protocols, employee training standards, and internal reporting mechanisms that operators employ to prevent misconduct by service providers. MGM has not issued a public response to the lawsuit as of reporting. The outcome of this civil action may influence industry standards for spa employee vetting and guest protection protocols across Las Vegas hospitality properties.