NEW YORK (RTW News) — Nicole Daedone, the co-founder of the California-based wellness company OneTaste, was sentenced Monday to nine years in federal prison after being convicted on charges related to forced labor. The ruling comes after accusations that her promotion of 'orgasmic meditation' involved manipulative and abusive practices towards its members.
In addition to the prison term, Daedone has been ordered to forfeit $12 million, the amount she acquired from selling the company, as stated by U.S. Attorney's Office spokesperson John Marzulli.
Prosecutors had initially requested a 20-year sentence, arguing that Daedone’s actions left numerous victims with lasting emotional and psychological scars. They described her methods as involving 'economic pressure, psychological manipulation, physical exhaustion, and emotional degradation', leading to financial ruin for many involved.
Daedone's defense team contended that a lengthy sentence would be a disproportionate response, suggesting a two-year term instead. They highlighted her lack of prior criminal history and presented over 200 letters from supporters praising her character and her contributions to wellness and empowerment.
Among those who spoke in her favor was Van Jones, a well-known CNN correspondent and advocate for criminal justice reform. He described Daedone as someone who demonstrates 'uncommon wisdom, grace, and moral courage', emphasizing her commitment to helping others.
Actor Richard Schiff echoed similar sentiments, noting Daedone’s efforts to address topics often stigmatized in society, arguing for leniency in her sentencing.
During the trial, prosecutors detailed how Daedone and her associate, Rachel Cherwitz, manipulated followers, many of whom had a history of sexual trauma, into performing sexual acts that violated their comfort levels. These acts were, according to the defendants, portrayed as necessary for achieving 'freedom' and 'enlightenment'.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, one of Daedone’s lawyers emphasized her role as a pioneering figure in women’s sexual empowerment, co-founding OneTaste in 2004 with the vision of fostering connection through sexual wellness.
OneTaste gained significant media attention in the 2010s for its innovative approach to women's sexual health, promoting practices like 'orgasmic meditation', where women were stimulated in group settings. However, its reputation declined as scrutiny of its labor practices increased.
Following Daedone's departure from the company in 2017, OneTaste has rebranded itself as the Institute of OM Foundation, with current owners asserting that the charges against its former leadership misrepresent the organization's goals and methods.
