Multiple Civil Claims Filed Over Alleged Secret Recordings
Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos represents seven women who allege they were secretly filmed while using private tanning booths at the Planet Fitness location in Arroyo Grande, California. The firm filed a civil complaint on behalf of two women on May 28, 2026, and added more women in an amended complaint on July 15, 2026.
The two plaintiffs are among nearly 50 women allegedly recorded without their knowledge or consent during 2025. Their lawsuit alleges that Planet Fitness and the entities responsible for operating the Arroyo Grande gym failed to take reasonable measures to protect members using private tanning areas.
An amended complaint filed on June 9 identified California resident Kyle Combs as the alleged perpetrator. According to the complaint, the Arroyo Grande Police Department matched video footage to Combs' Planet Fitness membership profile and later executed a search warrant for his phone, where investigators allegedly recovered videos showing 47 individuals who were partially or fully nude inside tanning booths. The recovered videos reportedly date back to January 2025.
Case Summary
Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos represents seven victims in the civil litigation arising from alleged secret recordings at the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness. The firm filed their complaint on May 28, 2026, alleging that the women were recorded without their knowledge or consent while using private tanning booths, and then an amended complaint on July 15, 2026, adding additional women.
The complaint asserts claims including gross negligence, invasion of privacy, and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. It alleges that Planet Fitness and the entities responsible for operating the location failed to take reasonable steps to protect members using areas where they had a clear expectation of privacy.
The lawsuit alleges that Planet Fitness failed to take reasonable steps to protect members using private tanning rooms where they had a reasonable expectation of privacy. The complaint asserts claims for gross negligence, invasion of privacy, and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, alleging that employees working near the tanning booth area should have observed and stopped the recording activity before additional victims were affected.
"Gym members have a reasonable expectation of privacy while using tanning booth rooms in Planet Fitness facilities, and Planet Fitness had an ongoing responsibility to take measures to prevent circumstances like this from occurring," said attorney Ilya Frangos. "No one should have to wonder whether they are being secretly recorded while undressed in a place that is supposed to be safe and private."
As the civil litigation and related criminal proceedings continue, this page summarizes the allegations, the procedural history of the case, and answers common questions about the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness lawsuit.
What Is the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness Lawsuit?
The Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness lawsuit refers to a series of civil actions arising from allegations that numerous women were secretly recorded while using tanning booths at a Planet Fitness gym in Arroyo Grande, California. According to the complaints, the recordings were made without the victims' knowledge or consent inside areas where members reasonably expected complete privacy.
The lawsuits seek to hold the responsible individuals accountable while also alleging that Planet Fitness and other defendants failed to implement reasonable measures that could have prevented the conduct. Plaintiffs are seeking damages for emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and other losses permitted under California law.
Timeline of the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness Lawsuits
| Date | Event |
| April 28, 2026 | The first civil lawsuit was filed on behalf of an Arizona college student alleging she was secretly recorded while using a tanning booth at the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness. |
| May 28, 2026 | Galine, Frye, Fitting, & Frangos filed lawsuits on behalf of two additional women identified as Jane Doe plaintiffs. |
| July 15, 2026 | The complaints were amended to add additional victims to the lawsuit. |
| Ongoing | Additional investigations and litigation continue as more information becomes available. |
What Do the Arroyo Grande Lawsuits Allege?
According to the complaints, the plaintiffs allege they were unknowingly recorded while changing clothes or using tanning booths inside the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness. These allegations involve areas where members reasonably expect complete privacy.
The lawsuits further allege that the defendants failed to provide adequate safeguards that could have prevented the alleged conduct or detected it sooner. As with any civil litigation, these allegations remain subject to the judicial process, and the defendants have the opportunity to respond in court.
Who Is Named in the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness Lawsuits?
The amended complaints identify multiple defendants based on their alleged roles in the events surrounding the recordings. The claims against each defendant differ and will ultimately be evaluated based on the evidence developed during the litigation. The defendants identified include:
- Kyle L. Combs, the individual identified by authorities as the alleged recorder
- Planet Fitness
- Flynn Group LP
- Other entities responsible for operating or managing the facility, as identified in the complaints
The specific allegations against each defendant differ and are detailed in the filed court documents.
Criminal Charges Related to the Investigation
Separate from the civil litigation, criminal proceedings have also been initiated in connection with the alleged recordings. Criminal cases focus on determining whether state laws were violated and, if so, whether criminal penalties should be imposed.
The civil lawsuits operate independently of any criminal prosecution. Even if criminal charges are pending or resolved, victims may still pursue civil claims seeking compensation for the harm they experienced.
Can a Business Be Liable for the Criminal Acts of Another Person?
California law does not automatically hold businesses responsible whenever a customer or employee commits a criminal act. However, businesses have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for customers and, in some circumstances, may be held liable if they fail to take reasonable measures to address foreseeable risks.
Whether liability exists depends on the specific facts of each case. Courts may consider issues such as prior incidents, employee supervision, security policies, the layout of the property, and whether reasonable precautions could have prevented or reduced the risk of harm. Those questions are central to the allegations raised in the Planet Fitness litigation.
What Damages May Be Available in These Cases?
The damages sought in invasion of privacy and premises liability cases vary based on the facts of each claim. Depending on the circumstances, plaintiffs may seek compensation for:
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Psychological treatment
- Invasion of privacy
- Other damages recognized under California law
The amount of any recovery depends on the evidence presented and the outcome of the litigation.
WERE YOU AFFECTED?
If you believe you were secretly recorded or otherwise affected by the alleged conduct at the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness, our attorneys want to hear your story.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness Lawsuit
Who represents the victims in the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness lawsuits?
Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos represents seven women who allege they were secretly recorded in tanning booths at the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness. The firm filed their civil complaint on May 28, 2026 and another amended complaint on July 15, 2026. Other plaintiffs involved in separate lawsuits have different legal representation.
Why is Planet Fitness being sued?
Planet Fitness is being sued because multiple plaintiffs allege they were secretly recorded while using private tanning booths at the Arroyo Grande location. The lawsuits contend that the gym failed to implement reasonable measures to protect members' privacy and prevent the alleged conduct.
How many lawsuits have been filed?
Several lawsuits have already been filed, and additional claims may be brought as the investigation continues.
Who is Kyle Combs?
According to the filed lawsuits and criminal proceedings, Kyle Combs is the suspect who is alleged to have secretly recorded women inside tanning booths. These allegations remain subject to the legal process.
Are the civil lawsuits connected to the criminal case?
Yes. Both arise from the same underlying allegations, but the criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits proceed separately and involve different legal standards and objectives.
What To Do If You Believe You Have Been Recorded
If you believe you may have been recorded without your knowledge while using the tanning booths at the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness, it is important to preserve any information that may help identify when you visited the facility. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand whether you may have legal rights and what steps should be taken next.
Stay Updated on the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness Litigation
The Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness litigation continues to evolve as additional information becomes available through both the civil lawsuits and the criminal proceedings. This page will be updated as significant developments occur, including new filings, court rulings, and other publicly available information related to the case.
If you believe you were secretly recorded or otherwise affected by the alleged conduct at the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness location, speaking with an attorney promptly can help you understand your legal rights, preserve important evidence, and determine whether you may have a viable civil claim. Confidential consultations are available to discuss your situation and answer your questions.
