Los Angeles Recruiter Sued Over Staff Massage Search
A former employee alleges she was forced to screen explicit sites to recruit a masseur for the firm's CEO.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Job Search
In September 2025, former recruiter Kaynaz Farhood filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles-based firm Kossoris Search Inc and its CEO, Amy Kossoris. The filing alleges staff were required to use sexually explicit websites to procure a personal in-home massage therapist for the owner.
Why it matters
The case highlights critical operational risks regarding the boundary between personal errands and professional responsibilities in small businesses. For agency owners, improper delegation of non-business tasks can trigger severe employment liability and workplace safety concerns.
The firm operates under the leadership of a CEO with 20 years of experience in the legal recruitment industry. The suit details tasks initiated in May 2025 that led to employee complaints by June 2025 and an eventual resignation in September 2025.
The players
Amy Kossoris
Owner of Kossoris Search Inc, a Los Angeles recruitment firm with 20 years of industry experience.
Kaynaz Farhood
Former employee of Kossoris Search Inc who resigned in September 2025 and subsequently filed suit.
Kossoris Search Inc
A Los Angeles-based professional recruitment firm focusing on legal sector placements.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that Kossoris ordered staff to advertise and recruit male masseurs via Masseurfinder.com. Because the site was blocked by company IT filters, employees reportedly used personal devices to review explicit content. Farhood claims that after complaining about the assignment, she was demoted, moved to a hallway desk, and threatened with termination.
Timeline
May 2025: Amy Kossoris requested staff to find an at-home masseuse.
June 2025: Employees lodged formal complaints regarding the assignment.
September 2025: Kaynaz Farhood resigned from Kossoris Search Inc.
Market Landscape
This case follows the pattern established by the 2017 EEOC guidance on sexual harassment in the workplace regarding employer liability. It highlights a departure from standard recruitment operations when owners mix personal service mandates with professional business mandates.
Business owners should strictly separate personal errands from professional job descriptions to avoid potential employment litigation. Owners are advised to consult with counsel to ensure internal policies clearly define the scope of assigned duties.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the high cost of blurring professional and personal boundaries for small firm owners. Operators should review their employee handbooks to ensure job descriptions are clearly defined and that managers are trained on the risks of assigning non-professional tasks.
Further reading
For more on navigating labor laws and recruitment protocols, see the Job Search section.
