Founder of 'Orgasmic Meditation' Company Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison

Nicole Daedone, co-founder of OneTaste Inc., was convicted of forced labor conspiracy and ordered to forfeit $12 million.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:10pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, investigative aesthetic through the use of dramatic lighting and shallow depth of field.The harsh, gritty imagery of this crime-related object reflects the exploitation and trauma experienced by victims in this case.Brooklyn Today

The leader of a sex-focused women's wellness company that promoted 'orgasmic meditation' was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for a scheme that a judge said exploited vulnerable women and coerced them into performing sex acts with the company's clients and investors. Nicole Daedone, co-founder of OneTaste Inc., was also ordered to forfeit $12 million, and seven victims were awarded roughly $890,000 in restitution.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals under the guise of wellness and empowerment programs. It raises questions about the boundaries between personal growth initiatives and criminal activity, as well as the need for greater oversight and regulation in the self-help and wellness industries.

The details

Prosecutors said Daedone and the company's former sales director, Rachel Cherwitz, used economic, sexual and psychological abuse, intimidation and indoctrination to force OneTaste members into sexual acts they found uncomfortable or repulsive, such as having sex with prospective investors or clients. The two told followers the questionable acts were necessary in order to obtain 'freedom' and 'enlightenment,' and to demonstrate their commitment to the company's principles.

  • On Monday, Nicole Daedone was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison.
  • Daedone was convicted last June on a charge of forced labor conspiracy.

The players

Nicole Daedone

The co-founder of OneTaste Inc., a sex-focused women's wellness company that promoted 'orgasmic meditation'. She was sentenced to 9 years in prison for a forced labor conspiracy scheme that exploited vulnerable women.

Rachel Cherwitz

The former sales director of OneTaste Inc., who was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison for her role in the forced labor conspiracy scheme.

Joseph Nocella

The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, who stated that 'Coercion disguised as wellness or empowerment is still exploitation and it is a crime that causes harm to vulnerable victims.'

Diane Gujarati

The U.S. District Court Judge who handed down the 9-year sentence to Nicole Daedone, stating that 'What she was doing wasn't about enlightenment or operating in a different dimension. It was criminal.'

Van Jones

A CNN correspondent and former adviser to President Barack Obama, who wrote a letter of support describing Daedone as 'a woman of uncommon wisdom, grace and moral courage'.

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What they’re saying

“'Coercion disguised as wellness or empowerment is still exploitation and it is a crime that causes harm to vulnerable victims.'”

— Joseph Nocella, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York

“'In reality, I fell into Nicole's trap. I was the perfect target.'”

— Unnamed victim

“'What she was doing wasn't about enlightenment or operating in a different dimension. It was criminal.'”

— Diane Gujarati, U.S. District Court Judge

What’s next

Daedone's lawyers have said they are focused on appealing her conviction, and prominent attorney Alan Dershowitz has said he will seek a pardon from President Donald Trump for Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater oversight and regulation in the self-help and wellness industries, where vulnerable individuals can be exploited under the guise of empowerment and personal growth. It underscores the importance of scrutinizing claims of 'enlightenment' or 'freedom' when they are used to justify unethical or illegal practices.