‘Orgasmic meditation’ company’s founder gets 9 years in prison in forced labor case
Orgasmic Meditation Company’s Founder Gets 9 Years in Prison in Forced Labor Case
On Monday, Nicole Daedone, co-founder of OneTaste Inc., received a nine-year federal prison sentence for charges related to forced labor, according to federal prosecutors. During the Brooklyn court hearing, she was also mandated to surrender $12 million, the amount she sold her California-based company for, as reported by John Marzulli, a spokesperson for the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
Sentence and Financial Penalty
Prosecutors initially requested a 20-year term for Daedone, emphasizing that her actions caused “scores of victims to endure financial, emotional, and psychological harm.” The court filings detailed how her leadership and collaboration with co-conspirators imposed control through economic coercion, psychological manipulation, physical exhaustion, and emotional distress, leading to widespread trauma and financial devastation.
Defense’s Counterpoints
Daedone’s legal team argued that a lengthy prison term would be excessive, seeking a sentence of approximately two years instead. They highlighted her lack of prior criminal history and the numerous letters submitted to the court by over 200 individuals, which praised her character, generosity, and positive influence. “She has lived an impactful life and is deeply respected across all walks of life,” the defense stated in their sentencing memorandum.
Letters of Support
“Daedone is a woman of uncommon wisdom, grace, and moral courage, who has dedicated her life to helping others find healing, empowerment, and a deeper sense of human connection,” wrote Van Jones, a CNN correspondent and former Obama adviser.
“She has spent her life trying to bring compassion, awareness, and honesty to a part of human experience that is often shamed or misunderstood,” noted actor Richard Schiff, known for his role in “The West Wing.”
Prosecution’s Claims
During the one-month trial, prosecutors accused Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz, the company’s former sales director, of orchestrating a multiyear scheme that exploited individuals, many of whom had experienced sexual trauma. The duo allegedly used economic, sexual, and psychological abuse, along with intimidation and indoctrination, to compel members into sexual acts they found distressing, such as engaging in intimacy with investors or clients.
Company’s Origins
OneTaste was established in San Francisco in 2004 as a self-help collective focused on women’s sexual wellness and personal connection. A core practice was “orgasmic meditation,” where men guided women in group settings to achieve sexual and psychological benefits. The company gained media attention in the 2010s as a modern enterprise promoting female pleasure, with branches opening in cities like Los Angeles and London.
Rebranding and Current Status
Daedone sold her interest in the company in 2017 for $12 million, a year before scrutiny of its marketing and labor practices emerged. The current owners have since rebranded the organization as the Institute of OM Foundation, asserting that its work has been misrepresented and that the charges against former executives are unwarranted.
