Dr. Bronner’s soap company has been a supporter of the psychedelics movement for years. Aside from financially backing activism and reform efforts, the brand offers psychedelic therapy insurance benefits to its workforce.
Bronner’s employees have access to ketamine-assisted therapy through the Boston-based insurance provider Enthea. Being one of the first companies in the states to offer this earned the brand a litany of positive press. However, a new lawsuit insinuates that the company holds some responsibility in the wrongful death of a beloved employee.
RELATED: Woman claims she was tricked into owning pot shop
The lawsuit was filed at the end of 2024, and alleges Dr. Bronner’s company, David Bronner, Mia Bronner, masseuse Christian Lee Allbert, and Bronner’s employee Terry Lenly were partially liable for Denise Lozano’s 2022 death. Lozano was a member of the events and experience staff, which referred to each other as the Foamy Homies.
“Denise’s life was cut short unnecessarily, unjustifiably, and without the dignity that she had earned from the people she trusted and that proclaimed to love her the most, the Dr. Bronner’s family,” the lawsuit states.
It alleges that Lozano suffered a work-related back injury. In response, a group of employees, including David Bronner, arranged an in-home ketamine massage for her. The lawsuit claims that Lozano believed this to be a part of the ketamine therapy program provided through her insurance.
Christian Lee Allbert arrived at her residence to provide pain-relieving bodywork that was allegedly supposed to include the dissociative compound. Instead, she received a lethal dose of MDA. KPBS confirmed that the autopsy showed no ketamine in her system.
Lozano Family estate attorney Marc Bragg declined to comment but indicated an update to the litigation could be a week or so away.
Dr. Bronner’s issued a statement shortly after KPBS shared news of the lawsuit on its website. The company expressed its love for Lozano and sadness about her passing in the message. This statement also denied allegations in the lawsuit. The company asserts that because the treatment was done in her home and not while taking part in the Enthea ketamine therapy program, they cannot be held liable.
RELATED: Are these banned ingredients in your edibles?
Ryan Fletcher, vice president of public relations for the soap company, commented on the matter in an email sent to GreenState. He reiterated the website statement word for word before sharing an update.
“We are in the process of resolving this lawsuit and expect to have a resolution with the Lozano family any day now,” Fletcher said.
He explained that an updated statement would be issued on the company website when a resolution was reached. Fletcher does not represent the massage therapist listed. He stated that they are not connected to him or his legal defense in this manner. GreenState was unable to reach him for comment.
With both lawyers teasing an end to the litigation, it seems that a settlement is coming shortly. As these parties seek a resolution that hopefully creates peace for those affected by Lozano’s passing, this tragedy serves as a reminder to seek out licensed professionals when undergoing new treatment methods.
