Holding signs saying "Close a Brothel," three protesters—two men and a woman—were spotted last night at Joyous Massage at 1317 20th Ave. (at Irving). 

"A lot of places like this do prostitution," said one protester, who gave her name as Maria. "Whatever massage parlors are doing that, then to me they should be shut down."

"Although I found it strange to see protesters in front of this place, I understand," wrote the tipster who called our attention to the protest. 

Two protestors outside of Joyous Massage (Photo: Fiona Lee/Hoodline)

"They were paid to interfere with our business," said a woman who identified herself as the owner of Joyous Massage. She denied the allegations that the massage parlor was a brothel and believes that the protesters were hired by a competitor to hurt her business. "One more block is another massage place, why not go there to protest?" 

Earlier in the evening, the proprietor also called the police on the protesters. However, according to her, the police said that the protesters were allowed to stay outside as long as they were not blocking the entrance.

Allegations of paid sexual services at Joyous Massage notwithstanding, Yelp reviews on Joyous Massage, while mostly negative, are focused on aggressive tipping and poor customer service. 

A protestor holds up a sign to "close the brothel" outside Joyous Massage (Photo: Anonymous tipster)

The protesters, who do not live in the neighborhood, admitted that they were paid to protest Joyous Massage on Monday and Tuesday afternoon, from 4 or 4:30 to 7:30pm.

When asked who had paid them or how much they were being paid, they declined to answer. There are no plans to protest other massage parlors. 

"I'm just working, it's a job," shrugged a male protester wearing a baseball cap backwards. "I support the massages." 

"We've had a lot of positive feedback from moms," said Maria. "I've even been told to have a bigger sign." 

The owner of Joyous Massage speaks to the protesters. (Photo: Fiona Lee/Hoodline)

"If you knew us, and you chose this place, I would understand," the owner told the protesters. "But you don't know this place."  

Thanks to the anonymous tipster who alerted us to the protest.