She Preached ‘Orgasmic Meditation’ — Now She’s Guilty of Forcing Employees Into Sex Acts

Nicole Daedone, the controversial founder of OneTaste known for promoting ‘orgasmic meditation,’ has been found guilty in a federal court. Daedone, aged 57, along with her former head of sales Rachel Cherwitz, aged 44, were convicted of forced labor conspiracy. The case, which began over two years ago in the Eastern District of New York, concluded after a four-week trial where the jury reached a verdict against the two individuals associated with OneTaste.

The company, OneTaste, founded by Daedone in 2004, focused on teaching the practice of orgasmic meditation as a means of empowerment for women and healing from sexual trauma. However, prosecutors alleged that Daedone and Cherwitz withheld wages, drove employees into debt, and exerted complete control over their lives. Specific accusations included directing employees to perform sexual acts in addition to restricting their financial compensation.

Former employees of OneTaste testified in court that they worked extensively for minimal pay, aiming to sell the company’s workshops on orgasmic meditation which reportedly had high costs, reaching up to $65,000. These employees recounted experiences where they were obliged to participate in ‘OM’ sessions daily. ‘OM’ involves a woman lying partially undressed while her genital area is stimulated for 15 minutes, a practice that some employees claimed was exploited for financial gain.

Daedone’s vision for OneTaste aimed to empower women through a focus on their sexual pleasure, attracting individuals seeking courses, coaching, and events related to wellness practices. The company witnessed significant expansion under Daedone’s leadership, operating offices in major cities across the United States and even internationally in London. However, the recent legal proceedings have shed a different light on the organisation’s practices.

Throughout the trial, both Daedone and Cherwitz maintained their innocence, emphasizing empowerment, consent, and healing as the core values of OneTaste. Their defence argued that the case was sensationalized and misinterpreted, reflecting an unfair portrayal of their intentions. Despite the plea of not guilty, the jury’s verdict now holds them accountable for the forced labor conspiracy charges.

In response to the guilty verdict, Daedone’s lawyer articulated that the former employees had autonomy and could have departed from OneTaste at any point. The defence conveyed intentions to appeal the decision following the conclusion of the trial. The case has sparked discussions around consent, workplace dynamics, and the limits of empowerment within organisations professing to promote wellness practices.

As the legal proceedings come to a close, the repercussions of the convictions of Nicole Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz resonate in the broader context of workplace ethics and empowerment movements. The implications of their actions have raised questions about accountability, autonomy, and the intersection of personal boundaries and professional obligations within such settings.

The verdict serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding practices that claim to promote empowerment, highlighting the need for transparency, ethical guidelines, and respect for individuals’ rights in all professional environments. The outcome of this trial stands as a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about workplace conduct, consent, and the authentic implementation of empowerment initiatives.

In summary, the conviction of the OneTaste founder and her associate underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards, respecting personal boundaries, and ensuring accountability in all facets of professional interactions. As the legal process unfolds, it prompts reflection on the responsibilities of organisations to prioritise the well-being and autonomy of their employees, fostering environments of respect, dignity, and genuine empowerment.