The practice of clitoral stimulation for achieving spiritual connection, mental clarity, and emotional health has a long history, dating back thousands of years. Recently, Nicole Daedone, who was convicted of conspiracy related to forced labor and sentenced to nine years in prison by a Brooklyn court, addressed the court regarding her case.
Daedone, known as “The Oracle” of OneTaste—a trademarked organization focusing on orgasmic meditation—advocated for the benefits of prolonged sexual arousal. As she turned to face the public gallery, she simply stated, “No.”
Following the court proceedings, some supporters voiced their discontent with Daedone’s conviction, labeling it unjust and harmful. They argued that the testimonies of seven former members of OneTaste, which Daedone co-founded in 2005, did not reflect the satisfaction expressed by many others who had participated in the practice.
Anjuli Ayer, the current CEO of OneTaste, characterized the situation as a “terrifying day for freedom,” asserting that if persuasion is criminalized and consent is disregarded, it poses a threat to everyone. Rori Montali, an intimacy influencer, shared her experience, claiming that orgasmic meditation played a crucial role in her healing from trauma. She stated, “It helped me reconnect with my body and feel safe again, teaching me the importance of touch and the joy of being alive.”
However, the federal prosecutors’ view of the principles behind OneTaste diverged significantly from the perspective of its followers. In 2023, Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz, a former sales director at OneTaste, were charged with conspiracy to engage in forced labor. Prosecutors alleged that they employed psychological, emotional, and financial manipulation to dominate their victims and extract labor for personal gain.
US Attorney Joseph Nocella remarked that “coercion disguised as wellness or empowerment is still exploitation” and emphasized the harm inflicted on vulnerable individuals, stating that the defendants’ actions resulted in trauma extending beyond mere financial loss or excessive working hours.
OneTaste has gained notoriety, particularly following a 2022 Netflix documentary titled “Orgasm Inc” and a forthcoming book by Bloomberg reporter Ellen Huet, “Empire of Orgasm: Sex, Power, and the Downfall of a Wellness Cult.”
Established in San Francisco in 2004, OneTaste garnered attention as alternative therapies gained popularity, and the concept of orgasmic meditation, rooted in Buddhist Tantric practices, became part of the mainstream wellness culture. Daedone quickly emerged as the organization’s prominent figure, and some participants lived communally under her teachings. Huet described an OM session she attended, depicting Daedone in a position referred to as “butterflied open,” while a participant engaged in prolonged physical contact with her.
At its height, OneTaste boasted around 300,000 members and had expanded locations in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Austin, and London. The practice drew mixed reactions from the media, with a 2009 article in the New York Times suggesting that a community centered on public expressions of intimacy appeared to be a satirical commentary on California culture.
However, the organization eventually attracted the attention of the FBI as Daedone sought to popularize OM akin to yoga. After a lengthy investigation, the government accused Daedone and Cherwitz of enticing women, particularly those with traumatic pasts, into the OM community and subsequently isolating them. They were accused of assigning these women various tasks, including domestic duties and providing sexual favors for investors.
Prosecutor Sean Fern explained that while individuals joined the community seeking personal development, they often emerged as mere shadows of their former selves. He noted, “The defendants gained power, prestige, and financial benefit from this exploitation.”
During the trial, a witness identified as Becky described her experience, stating she lost touch with reality, fell into debt, and faced verbal abuse and unwanted sexual advances. She referred to OneTaste as a cult.
Outside the courtroom, defense attorney Jennifer Bonjean portrayed Daedone as a “ceiling-shattering feminist entrepreneur,” arguing that the application of forced labor laws in this context was misplaced and that the charges risked criminalizing personal beliefs and thoughts. She expressed concern that individuals reflecting on their lives might question their past experiences as manipulative.
The case, which is set to be appealed, raises critical questions about whether OneTaste’s practices can be classified as cult-like. Steven Hassan, a former member of the Unification Church, suggested that OneTaste fits this definition due to its authoritarian structure and the self-serving nature of its leadership, which he claims sought to control the actions, information, and thoughts of its members.
Hassan warned that groups emerging from the wellness movement could become increasingly common, noting that they no longer require physical isolation because of the influence of the internet and mobile devices. “Members are continuously indoctrinated online,” he stated, highlighting the characteristics of brainwashing: indoctrination, distrust, and a culture of cancellation.
