Nicole Daedone and Co-Conspirator Found Guilty of Forced Labor
Nicole Daedone, the founder and CEO of the controversial sexual wellness brand OneTaste, has been convicted by a New York jury for conspiracy to commit forced labor. Alongside her, Rachel Cherwitz, OneTaste's former head of sales and Daedone's close associate, was also found guilty.
The prosecution argued that Daedone and Cherwitz exploited vulnerable members and employees, coercing them into unpaid labor and non-consensual sexual activities under the guise of "healing" and "empowerment." Brooklyn US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr described the pair as "grifters who preyed on vulnerable victims, making empty promises of sexual empowerment and wellness to manipulate them into working without pay for their benefit."
OneTaste: From Wellness Brand to Alleged Cult
Founded in San Francisco in 2004, OneTaste marketed itself as a sexual wellness company, offering expensive retreats and courses centered around a practice called "Orgasmic Meditation." However, prosecutors depicted the organization as functioning more like a cult, where attendees were pressured into performing labor without compensation and participating in sexual acts against their will.
The Rise and Fall of OneTaste
- OneTaste gained attention for its trademarked "Orgasmic Meditation" workshops.
- In 2015, the company settled a labor dispute for $325,000, signaling early concerns.
- By 2018, detailed allegations of abuse and misconduct surfaced, prompting an FBI investigation into sex trafficking, prostitution, and labor violations.
- All U.S.-based in-person classes and offices shut down by the end of 2018.
Nicole Daedone: Background and Career
Born and raised in Los Gatos, California by a single mother, Daedone graduated in 1994 with a degree in gender communications and semantics from San Francisco State University. Her early career included running an art gallery, working as a waitress, and brief stints as a stripper and escort.
Before launching OneTaste, Daedone deepened her interest in wellness through yoga and Zen meditation, even living for two years with a group devoted to "gourmet sex." Along with Robert Kandell, she co-founded OneTaste, promoting mindful sexuality and empowerment through her branded sexual wellness practices.
Her literary contributions include Slow Sex, which draws parallels between mindfulness in sexuality and the Slow Food movement, and the multi-volume The Eros Sutras, outlining her philosophies on relationships and justice. She also co-founded a nonprofit in 2002 called Unconditional Freedom, aimed at helping inmates through meditation and writing programs.
Legal Proceedings and Consequences Ahead
Nicole Daedone was indicted in June 2023 on forced labor conspiracy charges. The trial, which began in May 2025, concluded with a guilty verdict on June 10, 2025. Daedone now faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for September 26 of the same year.
Her story and the rise and fall of OneTaste were highlighted in a 2022 documentary, shedding light on the darker side of the supposed sexual empowerment movement.
What’s Next?
As Nicole Daedone awaits sentencing, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for exploitation under the veneer of wellness and empowerment. Authorities emphasize vigilance against organizations that might manipulate vulnerable individuals under similar pretenses.
