OneTaste co-founder Nicole Daedone gets 9 years in prison in forced labor case
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Nicole Daedone, co-founder of OneTaste Inc., was sentenced to nine years in federal prison and ordered to forfeit $12 million on forced labor charges related to the company’s promotion of “orgasmic meditation.”
- Prosecutors accused Daedone and co-conspirators of using economic pressure, psychological manipulation, and abuse to coerce members into uncomfortable sexual acts, causing lasting financial and emotional harm.
- Despite prosecutors seeking a 20-year sentence, Daedone’s defense highlighted her lack of prior criminal history and presented over 200 character letters from supporters, including CNN’s Van Jones and actor Richard Schiff.
- OneTaste, founded in 2004 as a women’s wellness company centered on female sexual empowerment, faced scrutiny after Daedone sold her stake in 2017; the company has since rebranded and denied wrongdoing.
- Daedone’s former sales director, Rachel Cherwitz, is scheduled for sentencing following the trial that revealed the alleged coercive practices within OneTaste.
