Founder of OneTaste “Orgasmic Meditation” Company Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Forced Labor

Nicole Daedone, center, founder and former CEO of OneTaste, departs Brooklyn federal court on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in New York.Jeenah Moon / AP

NEW YORK — Nicole Daedone, the co-founder of the controversial sexual wellness company OneTaste, was sentenced on Monday to nine years in federal prison. The sentencing, handed down in a Brooklyn federal court, marks the conclusion of a high-profile case involving charges of forced labor conspiracy and the psychological manipulation of the company’s followers.

The Rise and Fall of OneTaste

Founded in 2004 in San Francisco, OneTaste gained international notoriety for its centerpiece practice: “orgasmic meditation” (OM). The company marketed itself as a revolutionary wellness retreat, promising “enlightenment” and “freedom” through manual stimulation in a group setting. At its peak, OneTaste opened outposts in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and London, receiving significant media attention and celebrity endorsements.

However, federal prosecutors revealed a darker reality behind the company’s polished exterior. According to evidence presented during the month-long trial, Daedone and her co-conspirators — including former sales director Rachel Cherwitz — used a combination of economic pressure, physical exhaustion, and psychological manipulation to control their members.

Findings of Forced Labor

The court found that Daedone targeted vulnerable individuals, many of whom were survivors of past sexual trauma. Once they were integrated into the “self-help commune,” members were subjected to “grooming” techniques that included:

• Emotional Degradation: Followers were forced into sexual acts they found repulsive or uncomfortable, such as being directed to have sex with prospective investors to prove their commitment to the company.
• Financial Exploitation: Victims were pressured into taking on massive debt to pay for expensive “enlightenment” courses, leaving many in financial ruin.
• Psychological Indoctrination: The company’s leadership reportedly utilized physical exhaustion and sleep deprivation to weaken members’ resistance to their demands.

The Sentencing

While prosecutors had sought a maximum term of 20 years, citing the “scores of victims” left “financially, emotionally, and psychologically scarred,” the judge ultimately settled on a nine-year sentence. In addition to the prison time, Daedone was ordered to forfeit $12 million — the exact amount she received when she sold her stake in the company in 2017.

Defense lawyers had argued for a lighter sentence, presenting over 200 letters of support from individuals who described Daedone as a “feminist entrepreneur” and a “spiritual practitioner.” Notable figures, including CNN correspondent Van Jones and actor Richard Schiff, were among those who submitted letters to the court advocating for leniency.

Rachel Cherwitz, the company’s former head of sales, was also scheduled for sentencing following the conclusion of the trial.

References & Further Reading

• Yahoo News / Associated Press: *Founder of ‘orgasmic meditation’ company gets 9 years in prison in forced labor case*
• NBC New York: *Founder of orgasmic meditation company gets 9 years in prison in forced labor case*
• Energy News Today: *Founder of ‘orgasmic meditation’ company gets 9 years in prison in forced labor case*