MIAMI – A new lawsuit has been filed in Miami-Dade County by Horowitz Law on behalf of a victim who authorities said was sexually assaulted during a massage at the Lapis Spa inside the Fontainebleau Hotel Miami Beach back in 2021.
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The suit, obtained by Local 10 News on Monday, claims that Fontainebleau Miami Beach, is liable for the actions of its former employee, massage therapist Christopher Mankarious, who police said was arrested in April 2021 and later pled guilty to felony battery in 2024.
The lawsuit states that the hotel was responsible for hiring, supervising, and implementing policies to ensure the safety of its clients at the Lapis Spa, including preventing sexual misconduct by its employees.
It also states that the plaintiff is seeking over $50,000 in monetary damages.
Authorities said the incident occurred on March 27, 2021, when Mankarious, then 30, sexually assaulted the victim during a scheduled massage at the spa.
Following the incident, Mankarious was questioned by police and initially invoked his right to remain silent before admitting that he “misunderstood” the situation and “wasn’t in the right state of mind.”
The victim reported the incident to the spa’s manager immediately after the assault, and Mankarious was arrested on one count of sexual battery, according to police.
Records show that in September 2024, Mankarious pleaded guilty to felony battery and was sentenced to five years of probation. He was also ordered to stay away from the victim and surrendered his Florida massage therapy license, according to investigators.
Attorney Adam Horowitz, along with DeeDee Scheller, represents the plaintiff, emphasizing the need for accountability for the hotel and spa’s role in preventing such incidents.
Read the lawsuit below.
