OneTaste Co-Founder Sentenced for Forced Labor Charges

Mon Mar 30 2026 22:30:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Nicole Daedone, co-founder of the controversial women's wellness company OneTaste, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for her role in a scheme involving forced labor and sexual exploitation.

Nicole Daedone, the leader of OneTaste Inc., was sentenced to nine years in federal prison following charges of forced labor. The court described her and co-conspirators' actions as manipulative and controlling, leading to emotional and financial harm for many victims. Daedone's defense emphasized her positive influence on individuals and community, despite extensive allegations against her operations. The case, which revolved around highly questionable practices under the guise of sexual empowerment and wellness, has raised significant concerns about the safety and autonomy of the women involved.

NEW YORK (AP) — Nicole Daedone, co-founder of the controversial women's wellness company OneTaste, known for promoting 'orgasmic meditation,' has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison on charges of forced labor, according to federal prosecutors.

During a federal hearing in Brooklyn, Daedone was also ordered to forfeit $12 million, the amount she sold the California-based company for, as highlighted by John Marzulli from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.

Prosecutors sought Daedone's imprisonment for 20 years, detailing how her alleged scheme resulted in numerous victims suffering emotional, psychological, and financial harm. They described her actions as manipulative, leading to a legacy of trauma.

In contrast, Daedone's defense team argued that such a lengthy sentence would be “bonkers,” advocating for a two-year sentence instead. They cited her lack of prior criminal history and submitted over 200 letters attesting to her positive impact and character.

Among those expressing support for Daedone was Van Jones, a CNN correspondent and former adviser to President Barack Obama, who praised her as a woman of great wisdom and compassion. Actor Richard Schiff, known for his role in 'The West Wing,' also wrote on her behalf, urging leniency based on her work to bring understanding to women's sexual experiences.

Federal prosecutors asserted during the one-month trial that Daedone and her business partner Rachel Cherwitz manipulated followers, including victims of sexual trauma, into engaging in objectionable acts under the pretense of achieving personal freedom and enlightenment.

Describing Daedone as a "ceiling-shattering feminist entrepreneur,” her lawyers noted that she had established OneTaste in San Francisco in 2004, creating a space where female sexual experiences were central to well-being. The company's practices attracted both acclaim and scrutiny over the years.

Daedone's stake in OneTaste was sold in 2017 for $12 million, shortly before the company's practices faced legal examination. The organization has since been branded as the Institute of OM Foundation, with current owners asserting that the charges against Daedone and her co-founder are unwarranted.