Nicole Daedone Sentenced for Forced Labor in OneTaste Case

Nicole Daedone, co-founder of the sexual wellness company OneTaste, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison on charges of forced labor. The sentencing occurred in Brooklyn, New York, where Daedone was also ordered to forfeit $12 million, the amount she received from selling the company in 2017. Federal prosecutors described her actions as a calculated scheme that exploited numerous victims, primarily women, through economic, psychological, and sexual coercion.

Bloomberg

Founded in 2004 in San Francisco, OneTaste promoted "orgasmic meditation" (OM) as a means of enhancing sexual and psychological wellness. The practice involved men manually stimulating women in a group setting, which garnered significant media attention in the 2010s. However, the company faced scrutiny regarding its labor practices and marketing strategies, leading to federal charges against Daedone and her associate, Rachel Cherwitz, in 2023.

Associated Press

During a month-long trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Daedone and Cherwitz groomed adherents—many of whom were victims of sexual trauma—to perform sexual acts, including with potential investors. They claimed that these acts were necessary for achieving "freedom" and "enlightenment." Witnesses testified to feeling manipulated and "brainwashed," with some stating they were coerced into sexual activities against their will.

Bloomberg

U.S. District Judge Diane Gujarati criticized Daedone's actions, stating they stripped victims of their dignity and were not aligned with the purported goals of empowerment and enlightenment. The prosecution initially sought a 20-year sentence, arguing that Daedone's actions inflicted lasting trauma on her victims. However, the judge ultimately imposed a nine-year sentence, citing the need for accountability without extending the punishment excessively.

New York Post

Daedone's defense team argued for a significantly lighter sentence, suggesting two years would be more appropriate. They highlighted her lack of prior criminal history and the support she received from over 200 individuals, including notable figures like CNN correspondent Van Jones. Her lawyers portrayed her as a feminist entrepreneur dedicated to helping women, contrasting sharply with the prosecution's depiction of her actions as exploitative.

Associated Press

The case has sparked debate regarding the definitions of coercion and consent, particularly in the context of adult women participating in OneTaste's practices. Critics of the prosecution argue that the women involved were not confined or physically harmed, and that their participation stemmed from a belief in the company's mission. Some commentators have expressed concern that the case sets a troubling precedent for what constitutes forced labor under federal law.

Reason

Following Daedone's sentencing, Rachel Cherwitz is set to be sentenced, with prosecutors seeking a 14-year term for her role in the conspiracy. Both women have applied for pardons from former President Donald Trump, and Daedone is expected to appeal her conviction. The case continues to raise questions about the intersection of sexual wellness, consent, and legal definitions of exploitation.

Bloomberg

• “Ms. Daedone exploited certain women in a calculated way and made money off that exploitation,” — U.S. District Judge Diane Gujarati

Bloomberg

• “Hers was a crime of exploitation masquerading as empowerment,” — Federal prosecutors in court filings.

New York Post