By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Nicole Daedone, co-founder of OneTaste Inc., was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for exploiting vulnerable women and coercing them into sex acts with clients and investors. The company promoted “orgasmic meditation” as a form of wellness, but a judge stated the scheme was criminal exploitation disguised as empowerment. Daedone was also ordered to forfeit $12 million, and victims were awarded restitution. While supporters praised her character, prosecutors argued the scheme left victims financially, emotionally, and psychologically scarred.
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The founder of an “orgasmic meditation” company, Nicole Daedone, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for her role in a forced labor conspiracy. This outcome stems from the operations of OneTaste, a San Francisco-based company co-founded by Daedone in 2004, which presented itself as a self-help commune focused on female orgasms as a pathway to wellness and connection. At the core of their practice was “orgasmic meditation,” or “OM,” which involved men manually stimulating women in group settings.
The company initially garnered positive media attention throughout the 2010s, lauded as a progressive enterprise championing female pleasure, and expanded its reach to various cities globally. However, the legal proceedings revealed a darker reality, with Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz, the company’s former sales director, being convicted of using economic, sexual, and psychological abuse, intimidation, and indoctrination to compel OneTaste members into uncomfortable or repulsive sexual acts, including engaging with prospective investors or clients. This suggests a far cry from the advertised self-help and wellness, leaning more towards exploitation and coercion.
The conviction has drawn a surprising array of public figures to offer support and advocate for leniency. Among them, CNN correspondent Van Jones described Daedone as a figure of “uncommon wisdom, grace and moral courage,” who has purportedly dedicated her life to aiding others in finding healing and empowerment. Similarly, actor Richard Schiff emphasized Daedone’s lifelong efforts to bring compassion and honesty to aspects of human experience often met with shame or misunderstanding, suggesting she deserves leniency.
Adding to the chorus of those seeking clemency is prominent attorney Alan Dershowitz, who has announced his intention to seek a presidential pardon for both Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz from former President Donald Trump. This involvement, particularly Dershowitz’s past associations and advocacy, has itself become a point of public discussion and criticism. The fact that individuals like Van Jones and Richard Schiff have publicly supported Daedone has elicited strong reactions, with some questioning their judgment and expressing skepticism about their involvement with the OneTaste organization.
The underlying accusations of forced labor and the alleged methods employed by OneTaste have drawn sharp criticism. The description of the company’s practices, involving economic, sexual, and psychological manipulation to force members into unwanted sexual acts, has led many to equate the situation with sex trafficking. The stark contrast between the company’s public image and the reality of its operations raises serious concerns about the oversight of self-help groups and organizations that operate in sensitive areas of human experience.
The situation also highlights a perceived pattern where individuals convicted of exploitative practices, particularly those with financial resources, might find avenues for clemency through political connections. The mention of Dershowitz seeking a pardon, coupled with his history, fuels this narrative, suggesting that financial contributions or political affiliations could influence justice outcomes. This raises questions about the accessibility of pardons and whether they are earned through genuine remorse and rehabilitation or secured through influence and financial means.
Furthermore, the involvement of figures like Dershowitz, who have faced significant public scrutiny for their past associations and actions, amplifies the controversial nature of the case. His history with individuals like Jeffrey Epstein and his defense of controversial figures has led to widespread distrust and condemnation, making his advocacy for Daedone a point of contention for many. The notion that such individuals might actively seek pardons for convicted felons, especially in cases involving serious allegations of exploitation, underscores a deep-seated concern about the integrity of the justice system and the potential for undue influence.
The nature of OneTaste’s practices, particularly the “orgasmic meditation” in a group setting, has been met with a mix of disbelief and repulsion, further solidifying the public’s negative perception of the organization and its founder. The alleged insistence on touching only a specific quadrant of the clitoris, for instance, has been cited as an example of the questionable expertise and intrusive nature of the “therapy” offered. This has led to calls for more stringent laws and vetting processes for self-help groups, especially those that target vulnerable individuals who may be at a low point in their lives.
The comparison to other controversial groups like NXIVM further underscores the concerns about cult-like behavior and exploitation within seemingly benign organizations. The idea that individuals might be lured into such groups under the guise of self-improvement, only to be subjected to abuse and coercion, is a recurring theme that demands attention and robust legal safeguards. The conviction and sentencing of Nicole Daedone serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking within these movements and the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions.