Nicole Daedone, the founder of the controversial sexual wellness organisation OneTaste, has been sentenced to nine years in prison following her conviction for conspiracy to commit forced labour. Rachel Cherwitz, who served as the company’s former head of sales, has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years. The sentences were handed down after a five-week federal trial in Brooklyn, which concluded in June 2025.
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Prosecutors accused Daedone and Cherwitz of manipulating vulnerable women who joined OneTaste in pursuit of healing and emotional well-being. They allegedly coerced these women into unpaid work, and in some cases, pressured them to engage in sexual acts that benefitted the company.
OneTaste, which began in San Francisco in 2004, gained attention for promoting a practice called “orgasmic meditation.” This method involves manual stimulation and is marketed as a path to personal empowerment and wellness. However, behind the appealing façade of the organisation, many women reportedly found themselves ensnared in a system of control that led to significant emotional and financial hardship.
As described by prosecutors, the women were manipulated into incurring debt to finance expensive courses and retreats held in various cities, including London, New York, and Los Angeles. Additionally, they were reportedly subjected to strict oversight while living in communal situations, which contributed to their loss of autonomy.
Once in a state of dependence, many victims claimed they were compelled to work excessively long hours—often seven days a week—without adequate compensation. Testimonies from the trial revealed shocking cases where women were coerced into performing sexual acts with clients, investors, and employees. In one particularly alarming instance, witnesses recounted being coerced into living with a major investor, where they acted as his “handlers” while being instructed to engage in sexual activities as well as fulfill domestic roles.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. remarked that this case unveiled a decade-long exploitation scheme, describing how the defendants employed “psychological, emotional, and financial coercion” to maintain control over their victims. Nocella highlighted the depth of manipulation that surrounded the unfortunate women involved, reflecting the severe abuse of power exercised by Daedone and Cherwitz.
Following the sentencing, the judge ordered Daedone to forfeit $12 million, and a further nearly $888,000 was allocated in restitution to the victims. These financial penalties underscore the severity of the crimes committed and the long-lasting impact on those who were exploited during their time with OneTaste.
The case has sparked considerable discussion around the responsibilities of wellness organisations and the potential for manipulation within such environments. Critics have highlighted the necessity for greater scrutiny of practices within wellness industries, especially those that claim to foster healing but may inadvertently become conduits for abuse.
Nocella’s comments resonate with broader societal concerns about the vulnerability of individuals seeking support and healing, which can lead them into exploitative situations. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding measures to protect individuals within wellness settings, ensuring they are not subjected to coercive or manipulative practices.
The sentences imposed on Daedone and Cherwitz mark an important development in addressing the unacceptable exploitation of vulnerable individuals. As the attention around this case continues to unfold, it raises essential questions about accountability, transparency, and the ethical responsibilities of wellness organisations in fostering safe environments for their clients.