UPDATE: A shocking court case is unfolding as a woman testified against massage therapist Steven Goldberg, accusing him of sexual assault during a session she booked after hearing his praises on the Kyle and Jackie O Show. The 67-year-old has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual intercourse without consent and sexual touching without consent.
In gripping testimony delivered in Parramatta District Court, the alleged victim, a 32-year-old woman, described the harrowing experience she endured during a two-hour appointment at Goldberg’s studio in Dover Heights, eastern Sydney, in October 2023. She recounted feeling “frozen in fear” and in pain as she was allegedly assaulted after having her body covered in oil.
The woman revealed that she was influenced to book the appointment after hearing Jackie O praise Goldberg’s “fantastic” lomi lomi massages on the nationally syndicated radio show. During the segment, Jackie O claimed the massage brought her to tears, saying it transported her “back to her childhood and to the future.” However, it was emphasized to the jury that there was no implication of sexual misconduct by the hosts.
Jurors heard that the massage began normally but took a disturbing turn after about 90 minutes. The woman testified that Goldberg asked her to turn onto her back, leaving her uncovered, and then proceeded to place a folded fabric over her eyes like a blindfold. She claimed he then massaged her breasts and groin before allegedly asking, “Are we alright to keep going?” The woman believed he was referring to the massage and consented, only to find herself in a situation she described as horrific.
“I felt like I was in a lot of pain,” she recounted, adding that she faked an orgasm in a desperate attempt to end the assault. “I don’t see that as sexual, I see that as a release,” Goldberg allegedly told her afterwards. He reportedly suggested that he would know if she enjoyed it based on whether she returned for another session.
After the traumatic experience, the woman confided in friends and reported the incident to police the following day. Prosecutor Ann Bonnor stated that Goldberg’s actions were not preempted by any indication from the woman that she was seeking a sexual encounter.
In his defense, barrister April Francis argued that Goldberg believed the woman was consenting to the touching, claiming he had asked, “Are we all right to keep going here?” specifically in relation to the groin area. She asserted that there was no clear verbal instruction from the woman to stop the massage.
The case took a further twist when it was revealed that Goldberg offered the alleged victim a complimentary massage during a recorded phone call made on October 26, 2023, following the incident. “There definitely will be no way in hell I’d come back or refer anyone to you,” she firmly responded.
As the trial continues, the jury must determine whether Goldberg reasonably believed that the woman consented to the touching and penetration. The outcome of this case has significant implications, not just for the individuals involved, but also for the broader conversation surrounding consent and sexual misconduct in therapeutic settings.
Authorities emphasize the importance of support for sexual abuse victims, encouraging those in need to reach out to the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service at 1800 737 732 or 1800 211 028.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent case develops.
