Meng Gao filed the class action lawsuit against the fitness chain on February 6, 2026, though the specific claims remain unclear from the court filings. The case involves what Crunch's attorneys describe as an 'enforceable arbitration agreement between the Parties that governs this dispute,' suggesting the fitness company may seek to move the litigation out of federal court entirely.
In a supporting declaration, Crunch attorney Matthew J. Adler explained that 'the parties are actively meeting and conferring regarding the applicability of Crunch's arbitration clause, which it contends encompasses this dispute.' Adler noted that if no agreement is reached, 'Crunch intends to file a motion to compel arbitration as its initial response to the Complaint.'
The parties originally had until April 16 to respond to the complaint under a previous stipulation. Judge Pitts also continued the initial case management conference from May 14 to August 27, 2026, to allow time for resolution of any arbitration motion that could potentially end the federal court proceedings.
The extension reflects a common strategic approach where defendants seek to force disputes into private arbitration rather than public litigation. If Crunch's arbitration motion succeeds, the class action would be resolved outside the federal court system, potentially limiting plaintiffs' ability to pursue broader relief or establish public precedent.