OneTaste Leaders Guilty in Forced Labor Case

Nicole Daedone, founder of sexual wellness company OneTaste, and former head of sales Rachel Cherwitz were convicted in Brooklyn federal court of conspiracy to commit forced labor after a five-week trial. Prosecutors demonstrated the pair manipulated vulnerable employees and members, including trauma survivors, using psychological, economic, and sexual coercion to force unpaid labor and unwanted sexual acts. The jury found that members were subjected to surveillance, indoctrination, public shaming, and were sometimes compelled to perform sexual acts with investors or clients, while promised wages often went unpaid. The defense argued participation was voluntary, but the jury adopted a broad view of coercion that did not require threats or violence. Both Daedone and Cherwitz face up to 20 years in prison and intend to appeal. The case has exposed abusive practices behind OneTaste's 'orgasmic meditation' programs, once promoted for sexual wellness.