Nicole Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz, the founders of OneTaste Inc. and proponents of “Orgasmic Meditation,” have been found guilty of federal forced labor charges. The jury's decision came after a rigorous five-week trial, where it was revealed that the two women manipulated and coerced vulnerable individuals into performing countless hours of unpaid sexual acts for the benefit of paying members.
OneTaste, established in 2004 by Daedone, initially described itself as a community aiming to enhance participants' intimacy, sexuality, and personal connections. The company gained notoriety through media attention, eventually opening numerous locations in major U.S. cities such as Austin, Chicago, Denver, and New York. Their practices centered around the idea that female orgasms were integral to both sexual and psychological health, promoting sessions of “Orgasmic Meditation,” in which men stroked women’s genitals for a set period, and vice versa.
The lawsuit highlighted the misleading claims made by the defendants, who asserted that “Orgasmic Meditation” offered scientifically backed advantages as a method of personal discipline, encouraging research into the relationship between sexuality and human happiness. During the trial, prosecutors contended that Daedone and Cherwitz deceived individuals into participating in intimate acts under the guise of seeking self-improvement and relief from their difficulties, while many members experienced sexual encounters they found uncomfortable or distressing, including instances with potential investors.
The court heard evidence suggesting that this exploitation not only brought humiliation and psychological damage but also resulted in substantial financial losses for numerous individuals, leading to dire fiscal consequences. In her closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nina Gupta emphasized that the business model of Daedone and Cherwitz was built on the suffering of others, where victims forfeited their finances, dignity, and ultimately their well-being.
Despite the jury’s verdict, the defense maintained that Daedone was a pioneering feminist entrepreneur and that those involved in OneTaste were not coerced, but had the option to leave at any time. Daedone’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, announced intentions to appeal the decision, while Daedone expressed her ongoing commitment to her mission of liberation for all individuals, particularly women.
0 Comments